Sunday, January 25, 2015

Take the risk

"By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence." 2 Peter 1:3


“I remember somebody asking, ‘Suppose we give this marathon and nobody comes?’” - James L. Fowler



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The Marine Corps Marathon is the fourth largest Marathon in the U.S. and the ninth largest in the world. It is the largest marathon that doesn't offer prize money, earning its nickname, "The People's Marathon." What started off with 1,175 runners in 1976 now boasts more than 23,000 runners. And it all began with a big idea by one man. James L. Fowler, the founder of the MCM, died of heart failure Tuesday at the age of 84. He was a veteran on a mission to serve. It is said that, in the memo he wrote outlining his plan, one of his main goals was to promote community goodwill (at a time when the Vietnam war had caused tensions between the military and civilian populations). Well, he certainly did that... but it didn't come easy.  Dean Karnazes once wrote, "Any goal worth achieving involves an element of risk." How true that is.

In the pursuit of his dream to help others, Mr. Fowler was taking a risk. He risked being ridiculed, he risked being rejected and he risked being thought a fool. In pursuit of what he knew to be his calling though, he was prepared to take that risk. In our quest to follow and serve Christ, we risk the same. And sadly, because of this, many Christians will simply abandon the call. Rather than face any type of mockery or rejection, they will simply give up. 2 Timothy 3:12 tells us that, "everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted," but scripture also tells us that God has given us "everything we need for living a godly life."

How about you? Are you willing to risk everything to pursue living a godly life? For those that are, James 1:12 gives this promise, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."

Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence in our lives. Thank you for the forgiveness of sins given to us by Jesus dying on the cross. May we remember the price He paid so that we might be willing to risk ridicule, shame and persecution to follow you and to answer the call you have placed on our life. Whatever it is Lord, remind us that you have the power to equip us to achieve it if we would only have the willingness to do it. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
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