Run the Race - Win the Prize

December 13, 2010 Monday Message:

“(God) is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9b

Some of us grew up in Christian households and can’t remember a time when we didn’t love Jesus. Others, like me, can point to a particular day or specific incident when we made a conscious decision to accept what Jesus was offering, forgiveness and eternal salvation.

Still others have loved God, left God, and then returned to God. While you were gone, Jesus never left you. Whatever your path to the Lord, the important thing is that you’re with God today.

The Bible compares our walk with the Lord to a race. We may get a fast start or a slow start. Many will stumble along the way, but get back up and run some more. Some of us will run better when we can see the finish line. We all want to finish well. We will not run a perfect race like Jesus did. After all, we’re human, and he is divine. If we could be perfect on our own, we wouldn’t need rescuing. But God, with heavenly patience, waits for us, and gives up on no one who seeks Him.

This Advent season is a new beginning for the church year calendar. It’s also a good time for a new beginning for each of us. Re-dedicate yourself to the Lord. Get back in the race. And “run (your race) in such a way as to get the prize.” 1 Cor. 9:24b

Norton Lawellin