Meeting Report Nov 5, 2006:

Using Heb 12:1 and Matt17:8 as her text, Sis. Joanne Coons talked about the Christian race and keeping our focus on Jesus as we run towards the goal. 

The Christian race, in many ways, is like a marathon.  Just as in literal long distance running, so in this race, we must run patiently even when others are “ahead” of us, pacing ourselves so we don’t burn out too quickly.  If we overdrive ourselves, we will become discouraged and drop out of the race.  As the race progresses and we begin to get tired, we must keep our eyes on Jesus and the goal that is ahead for us.  Don’t become distracted by other sights and sounds along the way.  If necessary, put figurative blinders on your eyes so you won’t be turned away and get off track.  Even horses have to wear them from time to time.   

Along the path in a marathon, a runner will find refreshment tables containing water or energy drinks.  He would be wise to make use of these, to store up energy because later in the race, a typical runner will “hit the wall”, meaning he has used up all available energy and just can’t seem to go anymore.  At this point, he must start burning fat, which is much harder to do, unless he has taken advantage of the refreshments earlier in the race.  Then he will have enough energy to finish.  Likewise, God knows when our spiritual journey has been long and tiresome (as in the case of Elijah in 1 Kings 19) and He will be there to nourish and sustain us so we can keep on going.  Make use of the nourishment God gives you through His Word, prayer, encouraging words from others, or however he chooses to send it. 

Finally in a literal race, only one receives the prize, but in this race all we have to do is finish to win.  Keep running; keep pressing toward the prize that is ahead, yelling words or encouragement to other runners along the way.  And if you haven’t yet entered this race, now would be a good time to start.