Encouragement

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THE RACE


" Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." PHILLIPIANS 3: 14-15

My child you have all that you need, My Son, My Spirit, and My word. The road on which you run is narrow, rough, bumpy and full of thorns. Run in obedience with lots of patience. Keep your eye on the mark so that you do not get lost. Remember no matter what you go through I will be there with you.

Father, I have come this far and it is all just wonderful for words. Many are healed and many are saved, testimonies of your greatness are carried everywhere. I feel closer to you and my brethren every day. It is so great to be your child, to be called after your name, to have your Spirit within me and to do the works you do.

My Father, things were going well till I stepped on that thorn yesterday. I suppose it was not so bad but it did hurt anyway. I have been doing my best to run carefully though. I suppose if I keep watch I will see the thorns and then I will not step on them. Things are slightly different, it is a bit tougher and the hurdles are higher. Father, I know you are still there for me.

Dad, things are now different since the last time. The thorns are many and I have stumbled over the bumps more than thrice. The lights by the mark plays hide and seek. It does not seem to get brighter after every yard I have ran. Sometimes you seem so far away. I want to keep running but it seems so hard.

Daddy, it is so dark and cloudy here. I think I might have stepped on a million thorns now. My feet are sore and my body is tired and worn. The mark has been shifted that I can see it no more. I do not seem to remember what you said before. Let me be, for now I cam not win like this. Is there no way to abandon the race and yet still win?

I am now tired of running and feel like I have no stand. Though I still believe in you and know you are still there, I wonder for what reasons I had all those things to bear. I still hear your voice calling me urging me on but after all I have been through I must say I am afraid. I cannot even tell when I last read your word and kept it in my heart. Though within me I feel I must go on.

I have made vain attempts to try and sprint. Honestly, Dad, your child is walking at snails pace. Truthfully, I always remember all those thorns very clearly and how each one of them pricked and wounded my feet. I hoped that one of my brothers would give me a push but that did not take place. I do realise this is between you and me. For if I do not take a step no one will take it for me.

Father, I am taking a step in faith. Please watch my very next step. As I take your word and pray I trust your care. As I see the mark ahead of me I break into a run. While the saints cheer me on.

“ Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and sin which so easily besets 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, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12: 1-2

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