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Running the Race

 Happy Saturday!

Sorry about no devotional last week but I am learning as I get older that I need to listen to God and listen to my body and not be so rigid about MY plans. I really planned on doing my devotional Saturday morning on the plane and then I had a dead battery, by the time I got home, I was just so happy to be home, I just wanted to be. So, I decided that was how it was going to be and I tried not to feel guilty about it.  I did have the layout for last week's devotional though, and it still needs said, because it isn't like things like last week never happen. Also, I think instead of jumping into another book, I may take a few weeks and look at some of my favorite verses and passages. This week we are starting with Hebrews 12:1-2.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.


Highlight= Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Explain= This week reminded me that the race God sets before us doesn't stop just because plans change. Last week was full of travel delays, packed schedules, full days of learning and then exhaustion mixed with inspiration. When I got home last Saturday, I had watched my to do list for work grow to a scary height. My first thought was stay at the office and work on Saturday and then go in and work all afternoon and evening Sunday. Then I stopped. I could hear God saying, it will be there, I will help you get it done, but you need some rest. You need some time to focus on Me, not be thinking about getting to work, and you need to breathe. So, I came home Saturday afternoon, unpacked, got everything put away and Sunday I went to church, fixed lunch, rested and then went back to church. Yes, I was a little overwhelmed Monday morning, but as the week went on, things eased up and I left the office at 5:00 last night in a good place to breathe again this weekend. Apply= Hebrews reminds us that this race isn't about speed or perfection, it's about perseverance. Not every mile looks the same. Some stretches are uphill, some require slowing down and some require focus instead of excitement. I was also reminded that we don't run alone. Being at the conference surrounded by people who do the same work felt like standing in that "great cloud of witnesses" It refueled my spirit and reminded me that the work matters. So now, I am asking myself, am I trying to run every race instead of the one God marked out for me? Where do I need to narrow my focus instead of adding more and what things need laid aside.  I don't need to carry everything, I need to carry what is mine- faithfully. Respond= Lord, thank You for reminding me that I am not alone in this work. Thank You for the people who encourage, support, and walk this road with me. Help me to lay aside distraction, fix my eyes on You, and run the race You have set before me with perseverance and purpose. When I feel weary, remind me who I am and Who I am running for. 

I hope you find focus and rest this weekend!

~Mindy



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