Run on

Run on

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."  Hebrews 12:11

As I was paying for gas yesterday, the cashier (it's a small town) remarked that I sure had "been running a lot lately."  I laughed and confirmed what he already suspected-no one should run that much in one day, much less a lifetime.  He said, "You must be in pretty good shape then."  To which I replied, "Physically, probably yes. Mentally, that one is questionable." He kind of looked at me as I paid and smiled.  Told him that I'd be happy to help him start running if he ever felt the urge.  Oh my, he looked at me as if I said I was going to rob the store.  "I don't think so" he said, "it looks painful."

While I will admit it, running is sometimes painful.  Heck, life is painful at times.  It's the hard things in life that make us into who we are.  They are the moments that define us and make us stronger.  You see, discipline is not an easy thing to grasp.  It forms from a need to reach a goal.  It comes from the moments when you stay focused on the prize, not looking forward or back pushing through the pain and the obstacles in your way. It's formed as you continue pressing on using the hurdles as stepping stones.

God disciplines us just as an athletes discipline themselves and their bodies to be the best they can be.  1 Corinthians 9:25 says,"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."  It's not pleasant at the time but, after being trained by it, discipline produces a harvest of righteousness and peace.  Isn't that awesome?  A crown will not last but righteousness and peace can never be taken away so long as you stay in the game with your eyes, heart and body focused on Christ-continuing to run the race until that final destination is reached.  That's when the hard work and discipline will pay off.  That' s when you know that you have won!  

So stay focused, endure discipline knowing God is making you better because of it.  As a matter of fact, thank Him for it  "because the Lord disciplines the one he loves," Hebrews 12:6.  Isn't that amazing?!!  The God of the universe loves us.  He cares so deeply and intimately about us that "God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness."  Hebrews 12:10.  Have a blessed day my friends.  

Heavenly Father, thank you for disciplining us for our good so that we may share in your holiness.  Thank you for being a Father that loves us so much that you care about every part of our lives.  You are not an unreachable God but a God that is so intimate that we can feel you in our hearts and in our souls.  Oh, thank you Jesus for Your presence.  In your precious name we pray Lord, Amen.  

Happy Running!!! 
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Great Video-Lord, just have Your way in me