Hebrews 12:1-2 ‘Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;’
- DAILY READING – Luke 19:1-27; Genesis 32-33; Psalm 25
Eric Liddell is one of Britain’s greatest athletic heroes. He was born in China to two Scottish missionary parents. When he was 6 years of age, he was sent to Britain to be educated. Desiring to be a missionary just like his parents, he later enrolled in Edinburgh university for further studies. During his time in school, he showed excellence as an athlete and became known as The Flying Scotsman. Soon what started as a hobby led him to become the best runner in Britain. However despite all the fame that came his way, he never lost focus of his Christian calling to be a missionary.
When he graduated from Edinburgh University. He spent a further year studying theology and preparing for missionary work in China. His final race on British soil came in June 1925. A few weeks after that, hundreds of well-wishers turned up at Waverley Station as he began his journey to China. Asked to deliver a speech, Liddell simply led the crowd in a rendition of the hymn ‘Jesus Shall Reign Where’er The Sun.’
When he arrived in China, he taught science at the Anglo-Christian College in Tientsin, the city where his father had been based before him and where he had been born. Liddell lived in a poor area of the town, where he pursued his burning desire to preach the Gospel. On one occasion he was asked if he ever regretted his decision to leave behind the fame and glory of athletics. Liddell said, having weighed it all, pursuit of God’s will for his life counted far more than all else.
Hebrews 12:1-2 says ‘Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame,’
It is indeed important for us to ensure we are focusing on the race set before us. Living in this fast paced generation, there are so many distractions. So many things seek to replace God’s original call and mandate for us. The pursuit of what to eat, drink and wear often seeks to distract us from God’s divine call. .And if we are not careful, we may lose focus on what really matters and begin to pursue the mundane.
However, whatever we do, we must keep in mind that we will give account to God for how we spent our lives on earth. the truth is God will judge us according to how well we followed His calling. This is why we must avoid every form of distraction and focus on the race before us.
Indeed we need to live life with eternity in mind. Though the lure of worldly ambition may constantly be beckoning, we have to bear in mind that there is a particular assignment for which God has sent us into this world. That assignment must override every other ambition or pursuit.
The gifts and callings of God are without repentance. We can only find fulfillment and peace when we follow God’s design for our lives. It is not our will but His that must be done at all times. We must keep our eyes single on God’s call and run with patience, the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Indeed when we seek God’s kingdom first, all else is added unto us.
PRAYER: Lord, Please help me to always focus on Your plan for my life. By Your grace, may I run the race that is set before me acceptably, without giving room to any distractions in Jesus Name.
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There is something that God has placed within you that the world is eagerly awaiting to see.