There were a couple different reasons why we chose to do this blog, as opposed to just sending out email updates. It seems like everyone who thinks they have something to say has a blog. I guess that comes with the times and the connectivity that technology provides. While it was never our intent just to be trendy, we do feel like it is a means by which we can communicate the Gospel message to others. So we are able to post updates about what is happening with our ministry here, along with pictures of what life is like in Ghana, and also to tell a little bit about the children here. I also like that I can post some devotional thoughts from time to time. The things I like to share here are lessons that I have learned for myself as God continues to challenge me and teach me.
So it has not been easy for me since moving to Ghana. In fact, if I'm honest, I struggle more days than I don't. There have been many times here that I've had that conversation with God and I've told him I thought I might have bitten off more than I could chew. That maybe I've somehow misunderstood his calling for me and my family. I have felt the oppression of the enemy on my spirit more than ever. Thats why its been difficult. This is a spiritual battle. Many days I've thought; "There has to be someone better equipped for this than me". And I'm sure there is. But here's the thing. They aren't here...I am. Dawn often reminds me of how faithful God has been to provide for us and to bring us this far. She is absolutely right. There is no way I could have made this happen on my own. So each day He is faithful. He gives me enough to go on. He helps me to endure and persevere.
In my reading this week I was led to 1 Corinthians 9:24 and 1 Timothy 4:7 where Paul talks about running the race. Then I read Hebrews 12:1 that says:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us".
Now I know that the idea of how a runner must endure and train and press on has been used as a metaphor for the Christian life a million times. And it is true. That is exactly why Paul used that kind of illustration to show how we should run the race of life in the faith. Training, endurance...pressing on.
But another thought occurred to me as I've struggled to press on in my own faith this week. You see, as I thought about that picture of a race, I thought of what a running race actually looks like. If its a marathon, its usually in the streets of some major city, where thousands of people are lined up on either side to watch as the runners pass by. Or think of a track event at the Olympics, where there are a hundred thousand people packed into a stadium to watch the races on the track.
I know that the verse in Hebrews 12 places most of the emphasis on preparing for the race-putting aside all the things that weigh us down and hinder us. But when Paul says to run the race with endurance, he is making a very important assumption. Think of any sporting event. There are usually thousands of spectators watching and cheering for just a handful of players or runners. Just picture in your mind all of the people and the sound- the roar of the crowd as the runners compete. The problem with making this the same picture as in Paul's writing, is that he makes no mention of the crowd. He doesn't mention anything about having a solid fan base to cheer us on. It's just the race and the runner. After much reflection, I've decided that I would rather be competing for the prize, than sitting in the stands watching, even if I struggle with the race. You see, I think this is actually like that old adage that says "you can't win if you don't play". And I always liked to counter that statement with: "if I don't play, I cant lose". But in this particular case, that may not be true.
Here is my point, and hopefully, some encouragement for you. There are many "christians" who are perfectly content with sitting in the stands and watching from a distance. They think that as long as they buy the program, learn the stats and cheer for someone, they are ok. If you actually ask them to join the race, however, there are always reasons why they cant. Running the race is obviously Paul's depiction of how we live out our salvation, and I don't think we have the option of sitting out. I mean you are either in the race, or you are not. Being a spectator does not gain you anything. No matter how hard you cheer and wear the jersey or wave the flag, no matter how many stats you know, its not the same as actually being in the race.
So maybe you feel a little like me. Not fast enough...to old and out of shape...not equiped with the right abilities...
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:28-31
You see, there are no excuses. When we run the race, we don't run alone. God is right there with us. He strengthens us. We run based on his abilities, not our own. And I know God loves the underdog. If you feel like you have no chance of winning the race, or even finishing, don't become a spectator.
Endurance is defined as: "The act of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way, or the capacity of something to last under wear and tear".
Thats how Paul says to run the race- with endurance. He knows it wont be easy. Spectators operate in their own strength, their own abilities, and their own comfort zone, but in the end, none of these things get you across the finish line.
The frightening reality of this is that in the end, there will be many who will want to claim the prize, but God will say to them, "all you did was cheer from the sidelines. You didn't run".
Believe me, I know that following Jesus- running the race- is not easy. It can be discouraging, and difficult. But please don't be a spectator. If you are tired and weary, choose to stay in the race and put your hope in The Lord.
Cayle
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