An all-out-effort

"Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” He said to them, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to." Luke 13:23,24

Upon arriving at the Millwood Half Marathon Sunday, my friend and I wondered why the parking lot was so bare. With only a handful of cars, no race officials and no start line or runners warming up, we got a little worried until we were informed that the start line had been moved. There was another change too, this one most likely the reason for the small crowd-due to overbooking at the golf course where the race was to be run, the time limit to finish had to be drastically shortened and, therefore, would require an all-out-effort by many to complete. So when given the option of deferring their entry until next year, many runners wisely chose to sit this one out. 

Speaking of effort, the Bible tells us that entering through the "narrow door", or following Jesus, will require more work than most people are willing to put forth. And while no amount of labor on our part will save us since Salvation is by God's grace alone, it will take an all-out-effort to follow him amidst the pressures of this world and our sinful natures to do otherwise. So you see, just like an athlete straining toward the finish line after having pushed himself to the limit but still giving even more, our desire to know Jesus and pursue him should inspire us to put forth that same extraordinary effort , "because many I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to."

The great part is that, unlike in a race where doing our best may still leave us short of the finish line because of our physical limitations, there are no spiritual limitations in our pursuit of a relationship with Jesus! It is merely up to you and me to decide the amount of effort we are willing to give. How much is that for you?

Heavenly Father, thank you for laying down what is expected of us. Help us to realize that this race to follow you is not one to be taken lightly. It is an all-out-effort to the finish line giving all we have to know you and to serve you. May we strive to train daily in your Word that we might have the strength to not only get ourselves across the finish line but to lead others to do the same. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Reaching for you - Lincoln Brewster

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbqohEWn4CI