RUNNING AND FINISHING STRONG IN 2020
"You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs. One wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for the gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself." 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (MSG)
One day, a rabbit boasted about how fast he could run. He laughed at the tortoise for being so slow. Much to the rabbit’s surprise, the tortoise challenged him to a race. The rabbit though saw this as a good joke, he gladly accepted the challenge. As the race began, the rabbit raced way ahead of the tortoise, just like everyone thought. The rabbit got to the halfway point and could not see the tortoise anywhere. He was tired and decided to stop and take a short nap. Even if the tortoise passed him, he would be able to race to the finish line ahead of him. All this time the tortoise kept walking step by step. He never quitted no matter how hot or tired he got. He just kept going. However, the rabbit slept longer than he had thought and woke up. He could not see the tortoise anywhere! He went at full-speed to the finish line but found the tortoise there waiting for him.
From the above scripture and story, below are few things that will help us run and finish strong in the new year:
1. DONT RELY ON TALENT:
The rabbit would have won the race if talent is the only prerequisite for success in the race. But talent is not enough! Goliath would have defeated David if physical strength or power is all that is required for victory in the battle of life. Many eloquent men in Egypt would have been chosen ahead of Moses if talent or charisma is all that is needed for success. According to Romans 9:16, there is an unseen force or God Factor that can guarantee victory in the race of life.
"So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy" - Romans 9:16.
Friend, please don't run the race of 2020 with those impressive credentials of rabbit. You cannot win the race of 2020 by merely relying on your skills/gifts, qualifications, experience, or talents. You definitely need the backing of God to succeed this year. Whenever we go without God, we are bound to come back with nothing (John 15:5). That is why you must align yourself with God and leverage on the God Factor for a glorious and fruitful life this year.
2. DON'T FAIL THE ATTITUDE TEST:
Not every attitude can fetch us the winning ticket in the race of life. A bad attitude will definitely paralyze a man's progress anywhere any day. The rabbit failed the attitude test. He was so boastful, proud and arrogant. I hope you will not fail the attitude test like the rabbit in 2020. There are many examples of people who stumbled in the race of life because of bad attitude. In Genesis 49:3- 4, God told us about the story of Reuben - a young man with some impeccable credentials who eventually stumbled before getting to the finish line. Yes, Reuben had virtually everything but lacked attitude. Reuben's negative attitude deflated his rear tyre (his past) and broke his front mirror (his future). Below is what God says about him:
"...Reuben, you’re my firstborn, my strength, the first proof of my manhood, at the top in honour and at the top in power. But like a bucket of water spilled, you’ll be at the top no more, because you climbed into your father’s marriage bed, mounting that couch, and you defiled it." Genesis 49:,1-4 (Message)
Beloved, please don't run the race of 2020 with those negative attitude/disposition of the rabbit. You cannot go far in the race of life with those bad attitudes. You must make deliberate efforts to stop every form of negative attitude or sinful habit capable of turning your destiny in an anti-clockwise direction like Reuben.
3. DON'T LOOK AT OTHER'S SPEEDOMETER:
The rabbit made a grievous mistake to compare his progress in the race with that of the tortoise. In 2 Corinthians 10:12, the Bible says that people that compare themselves with others are not wise. "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."
Friend, this year please don't run your race looking at another man's speedometer or progress chart. Don't compare your progress with that of your colleagues, friends, neighbours, business associates etc. Don't compare your spouse with another person's spouse. If you do, you may likely finish the race of 2020 on the losing side like that foolish rabbit in the above story.
4. DONT TURN OFF YOUR SELF-CONTROL BUTTON:
Another reason why the rabbit finished badly was because his self-control button was turned off somewhere between the starting point and the finish line. Instead of running, he was gratifying his flesh by sleeping. Please read this deep secret that Apostle Paul shared with us in the above scripture: "I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself." Unlike the careless Rabbit, Apostle Paul was able to exercise self-control over his life. Little wonder he finished very strong.
Friend, one of the keys to success in the race of life is self-control/discipline. That is controlling our desires, appetite, emotions, passions, tongues etc. Please don't turn off your self-control button from January to December like rabbit. A little moment of rest or carelessness may cost a great deal. That is why, in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, we have been taught to exercise self-control over our belly by fasting and praying regularly. The church's general fasting and prayer program for the year will commence from January 11, 2020. It won't be a bad idea if you can join us for this year's spiritual exercise.
5. THINK BIG:
The tortoise agreed to compete with such a very fast animal like the rabbit even when he knew his chances of winning the race is very slim. Then, the question is, why did he accept such an herculean challenge? I perceived tortoise saw himself receiving the prize at the finish line even before the race started. The tortoise was simply thinking big according to God's instruction in the scripture below:
“God says so! “Clear lots of ground for your tents! Make your tents large. Spread out! Think big! Use plenty of rope, drive the tent pegs deep. You’re going to need lots of elbow room for your growing family. You’re going to take over whole nations; you’re going to resettle abandoned cities. Don’t be afraid—you’re not going to be embarrassed. Don’t hold back—you’re not going to come up short". - Isaiah 54:2-3 (MSG)
Friend, if you dare to set your gaze on the big picture in God's word like this disadvantaged tortoise, all the rabbits who had gone ahead of you in 2019 will congratulate you before December 2020. As the Lord lives, you shall finish well and strong in Jesus name.
In conclusion, beloved, may I humbly and respectively welcome you into the year 2020 - Our year of Multiple Victories and Catalogue of Joyful Happenings. I have no doubt that better days are ahead of you this year. I see you finishing well and strong this year as you adopt the "God Factor," shun negative attitude, turn on your self-control button and think big. More importantly, I am trusting God to uphold us until we reach the ultimate finish line for the warm reception and welcome address of the King of Glory. As we position ourselves to finish well with multiple victories and joy effective from this month, I urge you to let the lyrics of the song titled "Finish well" echo in your soul throughout this year.
FINISH WELL by Karen Peck
There will come a day
I know without a doubt
Around the throne, the saints will bow
And lay down every crown
How glorious that moment
To see Him face to face
To hear Him say “well done my child”
You’ve finished your race
But for now, the sun’s still rising
There’s work to still be done
While we’re waiting for the promise
Of what is yet to come.
Finish well
Every day that we are given
Finish well
For the glory of His name
Finish strong
Until the Savior finally calls us home
Give it everything we have
Finish well.
There’s no truth in saying
We’ve seen our better days
These are the days to be courageous
Bold and full of faith
So wherever He may lead us
Whatever it may cost
Let the Church arise and lift
The banner of the cross.
Finish well
Every day that we are given
Finish well
For the glory of His name
Finish strong
Until the Savior finally calls us home
Give it everything we have
Finish well every day that
We are given
Finish well
For the glory of His name
Finish well
Finish well
Finish well
Finish well…
As the Lord God of heavens liveth, you and I will finish this year stronger and well, in Jesus mighty name. Amen.
On behalf of my esteemed father in the Lord, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church Of God, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, I will like to invite you to the January 2020 Holy Ghost service. Date: Friday, January 3rd, 2020. Theme: Let There Be Light. Time: 6pm (Nigerian Time). Venue: Redemption Camp, Km 46 Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State, Nigeria. Ministering: Our beloved Daddy G.O - Pastor E.A Adeboye and other anointed Ministers of God.
Happy new year. Good day and God bless.
Maranatha!
Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo
For more articles, please visit -
http:// okanlawontaiwo.blogspot.com
Twitter: @tammytaiwo
Instagram: @lawontaiwo
Facebook: Okanlawon Taiwo
From the above scripture and story, below are few things that will help us run and finish strong in the new year:
1. DONT RELY ON TALENT:
The rabbit would have won the race if talent is the only prerequisite for success in the race. But talent is not enough! Goliath would have defeated David if physical strength or power is all that is required for victory in the battle of life. Many eloquent men in Egypt would have been chosen ahead of Moses if talent or charisma is all that is needed for success. According to Romans 9:16, there is an unseen force or God Factor that can guarantee victory in the race of life.
"So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy" - Romans 9:16.
Friend, please don't run the race of 2020 with those impressive credentials of rabbit. You cannot win the race of 2020 by merely relying on your skills/gifts, qualifications, experience, or talents. You definitely need the backing of God to succeed this year. Whenever we go without God, we are bound to come back with nothing (John 15:5). That is why you must align yourself with God and leverage on the God Factor for a glorious and fruitful life this year.
2. DON'T FAIL THE ATTITUDE TEST:
Not every attitude can fetch us the winning ticket in the race of life. A bad attitude will definitely paralyze a man's progress anywhere any day. The rabbit failed the attitude test. He was so boastful, proud and arrogant. I hope you will not fail the attitude test like the rabbit in 2020. There are many examples of people who stumbled in the race of life because of bad attitude. In Genesis 49:3- 4, God told us about the story of Reuben - a young man with some impeccable credentials who eventually stumbled before getting to the finish line. Yes, Reuben had virtually everything but lacked attitude. Reuben's negative attitude deflated his rear tyre (his past) and broke his front mirror (his future). Below is what God says about him:
"...Reuben, you’re my firstborn, my strength, the first proof of my manhood, at the top in honour and at the top in power. But like a bucket of water spilled, you’ll be at the top no more, because you climbed into your father’s marriage bed, mounting that couch, and you defiled it." Genesis 49:,1-4 (Message)
Beloved, please don't run the race of 2020 with those negative attitude/disposition of the rabbit. You cannot go far in the race of life with those bad attitudes. You must make deliberate efforts to stop every form of negative attitude or sinful habit capable of turning your destiny in an anti-clockwise direction like Reuben.
3. DON'T LOOK AT OTHER'S SPEEDOMETER:
The rabbit made a grievous mistake to compare his progress in the race with that of the tortoise. In 2 Corinthians 10:12, the Bible says that people that compare themselves with others are not wise. "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."
Friend, this year please don't run your race looking at another man's speedometer or progress chart. Don't compare your progress with that of your colleagues, friends, neighbours, business associates etc. Don't compare your spouse with another person's spouse. If you do, you may likely finish the race of 2020 on the losing side like that foolish rabbit in the above story.
4. DONT TURN OFF YOUR SELF-CONTROL BUTTON:
Another reason why the rabbit finished badly was because his self-control button was turned off somewhere between the starting point and the finish line. Instead of running, he was gratifying his flesh by sleeping. Please read this deep secret that Apostle Paul shared with us in the above scripture: "I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself." Unlike the careless Rabbit, Apostle Paul was able to exercise self-control over his life. Little wonder he finished very strong.
Friend, one of the keys to success in the race of life is self-control/discipline. That is controlling our desires, appetite, emotions, passions, tongues etc. Please don't turn off your self-control button from January to December like rabbit. A little moment of rest or carelessness may cost a great deal. That is why, in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, we have been taught to exercise self-control over our belly by fasting and praying regularly. The church's general fasting and prayer program for the year will commence from January 11, 2020. It won't be a bad idea if you can join us for this year's spiritual exercise.
5. THINK BIG:
The tortoise agreed to compete with such a very fast animal like the rabbit even when he knew his chances of winning the race is very slim. Then, the question is, why did he accept such an herculean challenge? I perceived tortoise saw himself receiving the prize at the finish line even before the race started. The tortoise was simply thinking big according to God's instruction in the scripture below:
“God says so! “Clear lots of ground for your tents! Make your tents large. Spread out! Think big! Use plenty of rope, drive the tent pegs deep. You’re going to need lots of elbow room for your growing family. You’re going to take over whole nations; you’re going to resettle abandoned cities. Don’t be afraid—you’re not going to be embarrassed. Don’t hold back—you’re not going to come up short". - Isaiah 54:2-3 (MSG)
Friend, if you dare to set your gaze on the big picture in God's word like this disadvantaged tortoise, all the rabbits who had gone ahead of you in 2019 will congratulate you before December 2020. As the Lord lives, you shall finish well and strong in Jesus name.
In conclusion, beloved, may I humbly and respectively welcome you into the year 2020 - Our year of Multiple Victories and Catalogue of Joyful Happenings. I have no doubt that better days are ahead of you this year. I see you finishing well and strong this year as you adopt the "God Factor," shun negative attitude, turn on your self-control button and think big. More importantly, I am trusting God to uphold us until we reach the ultimate finish line for the warm reception and welcome address of the King of Glory. As we position ourselves to finish well with multiple victories and joy effective from this month, I urge you to let the lyrics of the song titled "Finish well" echo in your soul throughout this year.
FINISH WELL by Karen Peck
There will come a day
I know without a doubt
Around the throne, the saints will bow
And lay down every crown
How glorious that moment
To see Him face to face
To hear Him say “well done my child”
You’ve finished your race
But for now, the sun’s still rising
There’s work to still be done
While we’re waiting for the promise
Of what is yet to come.
Finish well
Every day that we are given
Finish well
For the glory of His name
Finish strong
Until the Savior finally calls us home
Give it everything we have
Finish well.
There’s no truth in saying
We’ve seen our better days
These are the days to be courageous
Bold and full of faith
So wherever He may lead us
Whatever it may cost
Let the Church arise and lift
The banner of the cross.
Finish well
Every day that we are given
Finish well
For the glory of His name
Finish strong
Until the Savior finally calls us home
Give it everything we have
Finish well every day that
We are given
Finish well
For the glory of His name
Finish well
Finish well
Finish well
Finish well…
As the Lord God of heavens liveth, you and I will finish this year stronger and well, in Jesus mighty name. Amen.
On behalf of my esteemed father in the Lord, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church Of God, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, I will like to invite you to the January 2020 Holy Ghost service. Date: Friday, January 3rd, 2020. Theme: Let There Be Light. Time: 6pm (Nigerian Time). Venue: Redemption Camp, Km 46 Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State, Nigeria. Ministering: Our beloved Daddy G.O - Pastor E.A Adeboye and other anointed Ministers of God.
Happy new year. Good day and God bless.
Maranatha!
Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo
For more articles, please visit -
http:// okanlawontaiwo.blogspot.com
Twitter: @tammytaiwo
Instagram: @lawontaiwo
Facebook: Okanlawon Taiwo
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