We have a new life

 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.  Titus 3:5

If you've ever been to the starting line of a race, you will hear runners talking about a lot of things.  Usually it's about training and how prepared or not prepared the person is.  Sometimes, runners will ask each other about apparel, perhaps the shoes they are wearing or the newest fuelbelt they happen to have.  Don't even get a runner started on their hydration plan or gel schedule they have planned for the race.  And, never ever ever ask a runner about their Garmins unless you have time for a slide show! 

We runners share so much (so quickly and so easily) with each other on how to run and finish a race, but why are so many scared to share what's really important?  If you compliment a runner on their shoes, they're likely to go into a whole speech of where they were purchased, how much they weigh, how much better they are than another brand, etc.  And, they will share running tips freely and without hesitation.  Most runners will share all they know to help a fellow runner.  Are we, as Christians, doing the same for our brothers and sisters?

I remember a time premarathon (Anchorage marathon) standing in the porta potty line listening to runners chat about all kinds of things.  One young girl, in particular, caught my attention as I strained to hear her.  It was her first race and she was scared.  She didn't think she had trained hard enough, didn't think she could stay focused and on and on.  While there were a few people that offered tips, she was still visibly shaken and nervous.  I got out of line and went up to her and asked her if I could pray with her.  Before she could answer, I grasped her hands and told her that what she lacked in strength, Jesus could provide.  We then prayed together.  Yes!  Right there in the bathroom line.  While people definitely stared, they did so with reverence. The people around us stopped talking.  I'm sure there were many there that wished they had the boldness to step out in faith, and the confidence that God would provide the words they needed.  

When God saved us, He gave us a new life and a new birth through the Holy Spirit.  What you lack in yourself, the spirit will provide.  If you surrender your will to His, the Holy Spirit will give you the words, compassion and the means to show Christ to others no matter where you are.  God doesn't care!  Just don't waste an opportunity to help someone.  Finishing the race is a great thing but it means nothing if we don't glorify Him through it. 

Heavenly Father, Thank you for another day to praise you. Please provide the opportunity to share you with the lost.  Please take away our fears of rejection and fill us with your Holy Spirit which will give us all we need.  Amen.  

2nd Annual Prairie Spirit Trail Ultra Race Saturday, 29 March 2014 Ottawa, Kansas Melissa and her teammates will endeavor to complete the 100-mile Ultra Race along the Prairie Spirit Trail. Please support them. Sponsor Team 413 at gracerunner413.blogspot.com or call 573-433-6684 or 573-774-4992 Missouri Team 413 Ambassador Melissa Martinez Members of TEAM 413 – GRACERUNNER MINISTRIES, INC. are raising funds to provide free Ultrasounds to women experiencing un-planned or crisis pregnancies in Pulaski County. All money raised will go towards training volunteer technicians and ultrasound maintenance at the Free Women’s Center. The Free Women’s Center empowers as many individuals as possible to make healthy life choices consistent with the intrinsic value of human life. The Center offers free and confidential pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, prenatal education, and financial & material assistance. Learn more at www.supportmyfwc.com.
Here's this link also for donations. https://www.egsnetwork.com/gift/gift.php?giftid=173BB95D-9D6E-4547-B8B6-0E9CE19D56F8.