"And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life." Matthew 19:29 NLT
Sure, running's a cheap sport right? I mean all you need is a pair of shoes and some active wear right? Well, technically, yes... unless you want to register for races. In which case, you could easily find yourself in need of a second job to cover the registration fees and travel expenses. So when my friend, Rebecca, posted, "I did the unthinkable. I canceled monthly massages and bi-weekly service so I can pay for races next year. I am determined to run those races" just days before we rang in the new year, I knew she was serious about reaching her 2020 running goals. And I have no doubt Rebecca will find that the sacrifice was well worth it.
And you know, when it comes to giving up our 'things' to pursue what we love, the Bible tells us that Peter, Andrew, James and John left everything behind - their boats, their homes and their families - to follow Jesus. And you can be sure Peter realized it was well worth the sacrifice when, after reminding Jesus of all the disciples had given up, asked,"What then will there be for us?" and then heard the words "everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life." Wow!
And while you and I may never be called to give up our 'things' to follow Jesus, we are called to give up our old lives and anything and everything that comes between us and our pursuit of the Savior. But you can be sure doing so will be well worth it.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of our inheritance of eternal life upon our decision to give up all we have to follow You. Help us to see how the sacrifice of leaving our old lives behind pales in comparison to the benefits we will gain by becoming your faithful followers. It's in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
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