Run The Race To Win
Writer Author Rita Sue Hanks
Christian Article
:
Overcoming Struggles
- Fiction No
Beloved, I'm one who wants to say that my labor has not been in vain in the Lord, are you? I want to win the race I've set out on. And I know that only through obedience to the scriptures can we do this. Jesus is the word and His word must rule. Often this one scripture has been brought to my attention, and I believe it's one we must earnestly seek to understand well and to walk in in order to be victorious in our walk.
2 Timothy 2:1
You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
I saw here that Paul speaks of committing truth to faithful men. I was extremely blessed because as I sought the Lord began to place people in my path to help and encourage me in my quest. The Lord used more mature brothers and sisters in the faith to teach me about kingdom authority and community unity.
I've watched closely and I've seen that there are many running and many teaching, but all don't yet demonstrate the sweet fruit of Victory scripture speaks of. I saw there was a measure of grace and wisdom but the fruit was not consistent. So, my quest deepened, and as I've sought the Lord about my walk I've seen that only those who are striving according to God's ways and not man's will win. Because God has not yet been given His rightful place on the throne of lives He is not being glorified as He is worthy of. Paul points out here that the gardener is due the firstfruits of his labor.
All we do must be to accomplish His will and purposes.
1 Corinthians 9:
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable. 26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
I'm understanding this to mean that God's kingdom order must be followed in order for the race to be run lawfully. Yes, His purposes is for us to minister to others but first He seeks the change we need personally. Ministry should never be our focus. Knowing Jesus above all must be our heart focus.
In submission we learn that there's a time for everything and He alone establishes our times. We are proven worthy of his kingdom by our submission to enduring his refining processes with praise and joy intact. Flesh, the natural man, can't accomplish this. Ours is to die to our own desires and to live to His. It requires the line upon line, precept upon precept obedience! Our prayers must always be directed to the changes we need in our own heart and life. Because we're taught that there is a self seeking prayer that is in error.
James 4:3
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
There is a cup of suffering to endure, but He promises that after we have endured suffering for a while he will put the enemy underneath our feet. We must seek to learn to wait patiently with him as He forms His Son in us. As we grow and remain pliable, thankful that our names are written in heaven we will see the triumph He promises us in every single trial.
Mercies over us, Lord, as we continue to seek your right way of building up your kingdom.
Editor's Comment:
About the Writer Author
State:
Texas
Country:
USA
Email:
ritahanks@sbcglobal.net
Website:
www.facebook.com/rita.hanks
Profile:
Click here!
|
|
Most Recent From This Writer
Inspired Still - Designs by LaVellaK
Design Challenged? No worries! Among many design services I offer, I'll gladly design hats, t-shirts and more for you or your organized Special Event. Email me at justask@worthfinding.com for details!
Photgraphy & Design by LaVella Kraft
|
Select Article or Story
|