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We have all thrilled to the stories of courage and perseverance of Olympians who pursued their goal in the face of tremendous odds. Some captured both a medal and the attention of the world, and some wanted only to cross the finish line, and they did. The Christian life has been compared to a race, but one that differs from most races. In the Olympic games, there is only one gold medal in a designated contest. Only one individual or one team will win that coveted prize. In the race we run as believers, we can all cross the finish line, and in so doing, we can all be a winner. And our eternal prize is to be coveted more than any gold medal. As we pursue our prize, and as we reach for the finish line that God has for us, we are encouraged to do it with discipline, with purpose, and with perseverance. God’s promise too encourages us for He clearly states that the work He has begun in each believer, He will continue until that work is fully completed at the return of Jesus Christ. Like some of the Olympians, believers will not always run the race without difficulty, and many believers will face those tremendous odds and challenges that threaten to draw us away from the race before us.
Solomon was chosen by God to build a Temple that would be God’s earthly sanctuary – a place where God’s people could worship Him. Solomon was admonished by his father, David, to learn to know God intimately, to worship and serve Him with his whole heart and a willing mind, to seriously seek God, to be strong, and to do the work. I read David’s charge to Solomon recognizing that I too have something God wants me to do. It may be in my very ordinary, amidst the sometimes mundane routines of being a wife, a mom, a grandma, a homemaker, a friend, or a co-worker. It may have to do with relationships or it may have to do with a specific task. It may deal with my inner attitudes or it may have to do with an outward behavior. It may be set apart somewhat from my ordinary and it may seem scary or intimidating. It may be the growing of my knowledge and understanding of God and the nurturing of an exchange of intimacy with Him. He may ask me to "let go" or He may ask me to embrace. He may challenge my thinking, my traditions, or my perspective. He ......
It’s all part of the race God has called us to – a race I want to win. Winning will come simply because I cross the finish line. Winning will come simply because I persevere with courage. Winning will come because God’s grace is poured out abundantly in my life beyond my wildest imagination. Winning will come because I simply and seriously say "yes" to God
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