Sent them out, with a cheer, “run this race with endurance, looking to Jesus!”
This is not a race of competition for these brothers. Maximus may be up ahead, but not out of Isaac’s sight. One day, Maximus frantically came running through the door, “mom! where’s Isaac”??!!! I had no idea, I knew they left together. Apparently Max ran a bit further ahead, and they lost track of each other. This was not okay with Max. Isaac soon arrived home. They came up with a plan! And that is key! A plan to never lose each other again.
What a wonderful picture of our “running this race with endurance, looking to Jesus, as brothers and sisters in Christ”. Caring deeply for the running of this race together! My sons, overall purpose, to strengthen, encourage, not only self, but the other. Loyalty to other. It’s a desire, and although sometimes the process grueling, it is an enjoyment for both of them. They feel the results. I see it while they lift weights, and train in martial arts. Some areas one is ahead, some other areas the other one, is ahead. They are there to inspire, and push, and help. They both desire to be better. They encourage each in their Spiritual race. They both desire to be encouraged, inspired, learn from each other.
Ultimately our Spiritual life is of utmost value. This race to be run with extreme effort, determination , focused on JESUS, through desire for His every WORD. The plan is laid out in the bible from beginning to end. THIS IS KEY! There must not be short cuts. Taking our own path. This is not God’s plan. This is self focused. This is not God’s way. This is wrong, this is sin. This is death.
How I am encouraged to deny myself, repent quickly, take up my cross and follow Jesus daily. Looking not just for my own strengthening, but also with the deep heart’s desire for the encouragement of my brothers and sisters in Christ. This is why I cheer my sons on. Follow Jesus! Run sons run! What a gift I have been given to do this everyday.
What a gift I have been given to have others who do the same for me! My husband and even my sons do this for me! I love to spend time with others, who have walked, and are determined to walk on, a life of deep conviction for the Lord’s standards. Humble people. Who are an example of true progressing in the faith. A soothing, strengthening, comforting, encouragement to my heart! How about you?
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
