Follow the Pacer

"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." Galatians 5:24-25

Running pacers are those people you see in a race who are there to help you reach your goal. They are usually very easy to pick out by the signs they are carrying announcing the time in which they aim to have you to the finish line. For instance, a 4:30 (four and a half hour) marathon pacer would have you running (about) a 10:30 minute per mile pace for 26.2 miles. A 2:00 (two hour) half marathon pacer will have you running (roughly) a 9:15 per mile pace for 13.1 miles. Whatever your goal or distance, the appropriate race pacer is there to help you achieve it. For the new runner, there is probably no better way to ensure a good finish.

The pacer will keep the pace consistent at all times so it's very important that a runner stays focused and "in step" with him. Get too far ahead and you risk not having enough energy to finish. Get too far behind and you risk not being able to catch up. It's also very important to listen to the pacer's instructions, encouragement and advice each step of the way. In our race to the ultimate finish line, the Holy Spirit is our pacer. He is there to guide us every step of the way to a sure finish. But how do we know if we are "in step" you might wonder? That's easy... we will be producing fruit, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." (Galatians 5:22). Achieving this requires constant, consistent and daily examination of our stride.

Are you seeing these fruits of the spirit in your life? If not, maybe you've fallen behind the Pacer? Or maybe you've been in such a rush that you left Him behind? Whatever the case, it's never too late to get back on pace. As Acts 3:19 tells us, simply "repent of your sins and turn to God". Now then... readjust your pace and get back on the race course.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the Holy Spirit in our lives to show us the way we should live, the course we should follow and the pace we should keep to achieve the greatest goal.... heaven. Help us to stay focused on your plan and your route for our lives and to keep "in step with the spirit" with every stride we take. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

I come running - Sovereign Grace Music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hK_aV1Aj9E