"Do you see what this means, all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we had better get on with it. Strip down, start running and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus who both began and finished this race we are in. Study how he did it because he never lost sight of where he was headed. That exhilarating finish in and with God, he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever..." Hebrews 12:1-3 (MSG)
"During the 1968 Summer Olympics, while running the marathon, John Akhwari, had fallen down and hurt himself badly. He was bleeding and his knee had got dislocated from the joint. Considering the severity of his injuries, Akhwari was repeatedly asked to quit the race but he refused. He fell, dragged himself, ran in between but finished the marathon limping over the line. On the finishing line, he received a huge applause and almighty cheers from the little crowd. His body was exhausted but not his spirit. When he was asked the reason of doing such kind of crazy act, he replied, “My country did not send me 10,000 miles just to start the race; they sent me to finish the race.” (Brain Prick)
Friends, the story of this great athlete at the Mexico 1968 Olympic reinforces God's appeal to believers not to lose sight of the finish line in heaven. Like John Akhwari, we may sustain emotional or physical wounds while running the race. Some trusted friends, close associates and highly respected leaders may even step on our toes while running (Psalms 55:12-14). Should we stop running the race because of these? The answer is "No". It is not wise to allow the noise of the market to stop us from attending to our business with the vendor. Our saviour is waiting for us at the finish line and He will not entertain any excuse if we do not make it to the Golden shore.
Beloved, have you sustained emotional bruises on the way and you are about pulling out of the race? Is everything within and around you screaming "Quit! Quit!! Quit!!!". Have you already thrown in the towel? Then, it is time to go over the story of the Perfect Finisher again. His story will definitely shoot fresh adrenaline of hope, courage, mercy and grace into your soul and keep you running until you reach the main bowl of the Stadium of Eternity in heaven.
One song that re-echoes the teaching in Hebrews 12:1-3 is titled "The Race". As you meditate on the lyrics of this wonderful song, please trust God for grace to keep your gaze permanently on the finish line till Christ returns.
THE RACE by Mike Specks
Before I was born into history and time
You planned creation with me in mind
You formed my heart you saw my face
I was made in your image I'm no mistake
Chorus:
I'm running the race down to the last minute
Mercy and grace are keeping me in it
There's a fire in my soul I'm fully committed
I'm running the race and I'm gonna finish
You chose my family the place of my birth
You knew all about me you thought I had worth
I was called out to serve you doing your kingdom work
And all of my days are written down in your book
I've fallen down in this race of life
But you came to my rescue time after time
You told me you loved me you weren't counting my sin
In you I found courage to rise up again
I know you are for me, you want me to win
I give you my soul till the very end
Out there before me I see the prize
Jesus is standing at the finish line
Receive grace to finish your race and obtain the standing ovations of the cloud of witnesses that are eagerly waiting for you at the finish line in Jesus name, Amen.
May I use this opportunity to invite you to the April 2022 Holy Ghost service. Theme: SIGNS AND WONDERS. Date: April 1, 2022. Time: 6pm daily. Venue: Redemption Camp, Nigeria. Ministering: Our beloved Daddy, Pastor E.A Adeboye and other anointed Ministers of God.
Good day and God bless you.
Maranatha!
Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo
For more articles, please visit -
http://okanlawon.webnode.com
Instagram: @lawontaiwo
Twitter: @tammytaiwo
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