When the pandemic began in 2020, we weren’t sure if it would be a sprint or a marathon. Twenty-one months into the pandemic, I would like to suggest that it has turned into an Ironman competition!
Whether you know it or not, you are a runner. Is that a surprise to you?
All of us are running the race marked out for us from the beginning…
“We will be able to run life’s marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us. We look away from the natural realm and we focus our attention and expectation onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection.”
Excerpt from Hebrews 12:1-2 TPT
Passion—This is what motivates you, gets you moving, running the race like the prophet Nehemiah said, “The joy of the Lord is our strength.” —Nehemiah 8:10
Determination—You won’t quit, keep going—even when it’s hard, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”—Philippians 4:13
Attention—Focus, where your mind keeps wandering off to—”But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind.” —Isaiah 40:31 MSG
Expectation—Is Jesus enough? “You love Him passionately although you have not seen Him, but through believing in Him you are saturated with an ecstatic joy, indescribably sublime and immersed in glory. For you are reaping the harvest of your faith—the full salvation promised you—your souls’ victory.”—1 Peter 1:8-9 TPT
We naturally think of our bodies when we think about being strong…
Being strong isn’t about us pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps, but it is the work of the Holy Spirit in our inner being.
Rev. Wes Mills
Athletes train, and believe it or not you will find programs that will get you ready for a Triathlon in 12 weeks! It’s a mix of training that will strengthen and condition your tendons, ligaments, and endurance so you can “enjoy” your race. You work slow, building strength and it’s very important to take a day of rest each week (after training). Build and rest, build and rest…
It’s a pattern that is familiar.
In the same way that an athlete strengthens themself by training, so we strengthen our spirit by reading the scriptures and spending time in the presence of the Lord!
You, as an effective ACOP leader, are aware that spending time with the Lord is the foundation of everything you do. Build and rest!
Take a few laps with the scriptures above rattling in your mind, pray in the Spirit, build and rest. You are what the world needs—ignite HOPE!
This is your friendly reminder to take some time every day to “strengthen yourself in the Lord.”
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