Ever run a marathon? Yea me neither (for those
who have God bless you). A marathon is a long distance running event, 26.2
miles to be exact. Unlike a sprint which is a short distance run and takes
seconds to complete, a marathon takes anywhere between 2 hours (if you are the
worlds best) to 4,5,6+ hours to finish. It is a brutal race, which pushes your
body to its limits. Training leading up to the official race generally consists
of running multiple miles 4-5 days a week. In the beginning you’ll start off
“small” doing a few miles and increase the mileage as the days go on. You will
test yourself by running maybe 2 or 3 miles. As you complete that you’ll
increase it to about 5-6, then 10, then 15 and so on and so forth all the while
preparing your body for the 26.2 mile race. The training will not be easy. As
if just running is not hard enough, you will come across bumps in the road such
as schedule conflicts, fatigue, soreness, injuries etc. But each time you
overcome an obstacle you are building yourself up, becoming that much more
prepared, that much stronger, that much better.
In many ways our walk of faith is like a marathon. For one
it is not a short race that is over quickly. It is a long distance race that
continues throughout our lifetime. It is
not something that is easy, so do not get discouraged when trials come your way
because there will be many obstacles, temptations and trials along the way. But
with the grace of God, his love, mercy and spirit within us, we can over come
each obstacle. And as we overcome each obstacle we grow that much stronger in
the Lord, we are that much more prepared for whatever trial may come next. We
have an increase in confidence knowing that we overcame the last obstacle and
we can overcome the next. As you endure and overcome your situation not only do
you help yourself but you also provide motivation and encouragement for the
fellow believer who may be going through a situation of their own. Together we
can strengthen and encourage each other in our faith. Helping one another not
to be troubled by the trials we face. “2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother
and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen
and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these
trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them.” 1 Thessalonians
3:2-4
Our walk of faith is not a sprint it is a marathon. It will
not always be easy or stress free, there will be challenges along the way. But
we are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ, and as we overcome each
obstacle it is preparing us for what is to come. After doing something over and
over people like to say it gets easier. It doesn't get easier,
you just get better. As you overcome your situation, you get stronger, you get
wiser, and you gain confidence. So continue to fight the good fight, if you get
knocked down get back up, walk in righteousness preparing for that day. “13 May
he strengthen our hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence
of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.” 1
Thessalonians 3:13
Stay Thirsty My Friends
Thirsty Thursdays
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