Me-Maw Thoughts
Number 432
July 2, 2019///
What kind of race are we running?
Here are some of the different kinds of races and a short explanation of each:
Sprints are Races over short distances. Examples are 100 meters, 200 meters, and 400 meters.
Marathon is a long-distance race, completed by running, walking, or a run/walk strategy
Road running is the sport of running on a measured course over an established road (as opposed to track and field and cross country running).
Tower running is a sport which involves running up tall man-made structures. Usually the races take place on the internal staircases of skyscrapers, but the term can cover any foot race which involves a course that ascends a man-made structure.
Trail running is a sport-activity which combines running, and, where there are steep gradients, hiking, that is run “on any unpaved surface”. Trail running normally takes place on good paths, or tracks which are relatively easy to follow
Fell running, also sometimes known as hill running, is the sport of running and racing, off-road, over upland country where the gradient climbed is a significant component of the difficulty.
Cross country running is a sport in which teams and individuals run a race on open-air courses over natural terrain such as dirt or grass.
Adventure running is the sport of running over a variety of surfaces (dirt, road, mountain, sand, snow), generally over long distances, where the racer has to overcome nature. Challenges include river crossing, scrambling, snow, extreme high or low temperatures, and high altitudes.
Let us now compare these different kinds of races to our spiritual life. Each of us will find we have our own race or races to run. How are we running and are we running the race or races that Father God has for us?
Sprint: This race would only be run in a situation that we faced that would be over soon. A death, an illness, a job loss, financial crisis, etc. We can stand the pace for a little, but we could not hold out for the long haul. Many people just give up after the sprint and say I’ve had enough.
We must understand that God gives us the strength to keep going and to have victory over the other races we must face.
Marathon: This is the way we need to face life every day. Steady and sure in the love of the Lord Jesus and we just keep a slower than sprint pace but we know that we can go all the way with the Lord Jesus as our companion and we just never give up, never give up, never give up!
Road running: We are traveling an established road toward a measured goal. We know what we are headed for and with God as our helper we will reach our goal.
Tower running: This is absolutely the race you should not be running. This is running in a man-made climb to the world success and acclaim. We must avoid this and understand that our race is for things of eternal value.
Trail running: This would be the times we leave the road and go higher up in our relationship with Jesus Christ. When it is steep, we may slow to hiking but it is a good path and the end is a better understanding of who we are and who Father God is.
Fell running: This is another uphill climb. Off the road and the easy path, it takes us even higher up in our walk with God. It may be a hard climb, but the rewards are unmeasurable.
Cross country running: We should be cross country running to tell all of those around us about the awesome relationship we can have with Jesus Christ.
Adventure running: This is following the Holy Spirits lead to get out of our comfort zone and traverse various kinds of roads, mountains, etc. in all kings of weather and circumstances. In this race we are facing our fears and are breaking down barriers and understanding that “We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us”.
In our time here on earth we will find ourselves in a lot of different type races. May we consistently examine where we are and make sure that we are in the right race at the right time.
The Apostle Paul gives us some instruction about our race in Hebrews!
Hebrews 12:1 (KJV)
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,
I encourage each of us to lay aside the things which hinder and run our race with patience!!
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Father may each of us run our race and stay in our lane and go from victory to victory as we grow in you and the knowledge of your word. In Jesus name I pray! Amen!
God Bless you in whatever race you find yourself in!
Love, MeMaw
THOUGHTS FROM SKYDIVING MEMAW 