Spiritual Reflections
We must run our race, finish strong
Pat Ozment, Jr.
"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and the finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2, NKJV.

If anyone was ever surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, we are. You could say, "Peggy and I are outstanding" that is to say we stand out. We are like two grains of salt in a great sea of black pepper. We are noticed. Small children stare at us. Our actions and reactions are noted. Those around us witness how we react when we encounter the realities of where we are. There were times when we had no hot water, then we had no running water.

There are times when we have no electricity, and the temperature inside our house is 96 at 1a.m. We have a cell phone, but often we have no service. We have no landline phone, and won't for possibly 6 months. E-mail is on again off again, and I am writing this by faith that somehow I will be able to send it. Neither "go west Africa," nor "email" are working on my computer right now. Here is the kicker, we used the last of our ground coffee this morning and you cannot buy coffee beans or ground coffee in Tamale.

Electricity, hot and cold running water, phone service, email, and yes even "the Baptist drug of choice," can become weights, and even sin, that affect how we run our race, if we don't look unto Jesus. He is the source, and the finisher of our faith. There have been two phrases that stick in our minds. First, do whatever it takes, and then finish strong. We can do neither without Jesus, and we must because of the witnesses. You see, they have less than we have, and they need to see that Jesus sets joy before us in every circumstance. See you in church.

Reader Comments

No comments have been posted. Be the first!

Other Stories With Comments:
Article	Comments
Frances Nichols passes at 91	1
Bryant is a contestant in Ms. Senior Alabama Pageant	1
Dunagans to celebrate golden anniversary	1