Finish line ought to be the focal point
The analogy of evaluating “athletic completion” to “Christian living” is a theme frequently repeated in scripture.
Summary: Oftentimes, when we see the street ahead getting rough, we favor to provide up and quit. God in no way promised us a road of roses, but he did promise us a way to victory.
When we are advised that we should finish the race, we get excited and push harder. However, when the avenue gets rough, we lose encouragement. We see the potholes and the winding avenue and favor to give up. I can relate.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 shouts it plain and clear. When we come to the know-how of God, we are right now put into a race. At first, the race appears easy. Things are going great. Everything is going splendidly for us. Then, tragedy strikes.
The street gets bumpy and we lose some faith. We think God has abandoned us and we slip returned a little. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 says this: "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may also obtain. And each and every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to attain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible."
Only human beings who are looking for a corruptible crown will give up. What is the corruptible crown? Recognition from man. These human beings want a pat on the back from their fellow man. They do not get it, so they provide up. Only these seeking the incorruptible crown will cross forward in the race.
The incorruptible crown represents the awareness of God. They are not looking for attention and awards from men, they only want God to apprehend their struggle. They get a blessing from God for endurance and they pass forward.
However, another snag comes alongside and slows us down. After the first bump in the road, we have won more trust that God will see us through. Though, this time the trial lasts a bit longer. Some will see this for what it is; a test. They will pray and wait for deliverance.
Sadly, some fall away. For them, the avenue used to be way too bumpy and they go again to the starting line and supply up. They go again to a sinful life and by no means look back. You hear about these few. They say, "I was once a Christian once, however I could not stay a holy life." The world cheers them on and that is the end of their race. They obtained their corruptible crown.
Still, there are others who see the light at the end of the tunnel and wait for the victory. These go even similarly ahead into the race. They have discovered that the road will not always be easy, however GOD WILL SEE THEM THROUGH!. They rejoice and pass towards the end line.
1 Corinthians 26-27 offers us more instruction. "I consequently so run, not as uncertainly; so battle I, now not as one that beneath the air: But I maintain under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that through any means, when I have preached to others, I myself ought to be a castaway."
Paul was once letting us be aware of that even he had problems and his avenue used to be hard to run on just like ours is now. But Paul fought. He fought for the incorruptible crown that God promised all of us. He knew he wasn't combat a dropping battle. He noticed VICTORY at the quit of the tunnel. So he fought for God's promise.
One thing that many do no longer preach is one of the most important parts of this scripture. Like us, Paul used to be scared that he would one day face God and be called a "castaway." This is usually in the returned of our mind. "What is I get there earlier than God on Judgement day and locate out I am a castaway." "What if I had some type of snag and not noted it and did not study from my mistake?"
We all can relate to Paul. That is why it is vital to heed to the warnings and study from our mistakes. God approves these snags to make us stronger. If we have been by no means tested and tried, we would in no way grow. It appears Paul had the right attitude: "I will fight to finish my race."
The Devil would love for nothing greater than for you to see the road in advance and provide up. That is why we pray for strength. Without HIS strength, we might not get very some distance at all. We ought to pray for HIS strength and HIS guidance. He will get us through, we have to truely consider he will get us there.
Think of a little baby. The infant cries and cries. He/She by myself can do nothing about their situation. The Father hears our cries and comes to assist us out. There is no hassle too large for God. God created the heavens and the earth and all within. A easy financial crisis is nothing to him. He can repair it. All we have to do is trust and ask.
Look off into the distance and see your victory. That is what Paul did. He did not thrive on his situation, he thrived on the victory. Victory will come. Simply accept as true with that it is there. Proclaim victory in JESUS name! It is there, all you have to do is snatch it.
The Christian existence is not a sprint; rather, it’s a marathon. There are instances when we become discouraged and tired. At such instances “He offers strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak… those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength… they will run and not grow weary, they will stroll and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:29-31) So, run dear Christians and “Finish line ought to be the focal point!”
Blessings in Christ,
Pradeep
Comments
Post a Comment