We are all called to run the face and fulfill our purpose. Our common goal is the same - to reach the heavenly prize. However, each journey is different to the same destination. Struggling in your race? Laura Watson encourages you to stay strong and link your arms with around others to finish the race strong! (see notes on teaching below)
LIVE VERSION
EDITED VERSION
7 I have fought the good fight, I have stayed on course and finished the race, and through it all, I have kept believing. 8 I look forward to what’s in store for me: a crown of righteousness that the Lord—the always right and just judge—will give me that day (but it is not only for me, but for all those who love and long for His appearing). 2 Timothy 4:7-8 VOICE
I. The course laid before you is your course
1. Different Courses to reach the same destination
A. Some times are easy transitions
B. Other times are harder; rougher terrain, yet passable
C. There are obstacles along our course. How do you respond? Or react?
2. Times when your course is difficult
A. Looking back to see how far we’ve come while looking ahead to see what we’re heading towards our purpose or calling.
B. We’re all called to testify to the good news of God’s grace.
C. Sometimes it’s necessary to rest and refocus.
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Exodus 14:14 NIV
3. Crossing paths with others along your course
A. To encourage / be encouraged
B. To mentor or catapult others to fulfill their destiny and calling
C. Be choosy in whom you run with.
i.e., of Elizabeth and Mary Luke 1:44
4. Markers along your course
A. Mark different seasons in our lives
a. Physically along the journey (childhood, teenage, single, married..)
b. Spiritually (testimonies, victories, refreshing times with Lord)
II. Being Equipped for your course
1. Do you have the proper equipment?
A. Appropriate clothing for the appropriate season
B. Nutrition – what are you feeding yourself or allowing others to feed you
C. Discipline – are you being purposeful
24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NLT
24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
Acts 20:24 NIV
2. Do not grow weary in the race – but rather use the tools you’ve been given
A. Scriptures and promises of the Word
B. Other believers and those that will encourage you
C. Taking time to rest and be still before the Lord (“keep silent and remain calm" Ex 14:14 AMP).
D. Refocus
12 So since we stand surrounded by all those who have gone before, an enormous cloud of witnesses, let us drop every extra weight, every sin that clings to us and slackens our pace, and let us run with endurance the long race set before us. 2 Now stay focused on Jesus, who designed and perfected our faith. He endured the cross and ignored the shame of that death because He focused on the joy that was set before Him; and now He is seated beside God on the throne, a place of honor.3 Consider the life of the One who endured such personal attacks and hostility from sinners so that you will not grow weary or lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3 VOICE
14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Philippians 3:14 NLT