As I write we are in week 12 of Lockdown, and let`s be honest, these have been a dramatic few weeks. The frontline workers have been truly world class, and we are so thankful to have an awesome NHS, Police, Fire Fighters and lets not forget, supermarket, bin men etc, if I have missed anyone out then please forgive me.
When we started lockdown my wife’s parents had just received the keys to their new home but could not move in as they couldn’t get the carpets etc that they had bought. So they moved in with us. It was ok at first, thinking lockdown would be a few weeks, however they stayed with us until week 10 – they moved out two weeks ago! We are a close knit family, yet these last few weeks have been a test for us all, with 8 in our household…….
For many out there, life is on hold, and if we are honest we have no clue what will happen as we come out of lockdown in the months ahead.
For myself, I have always been goal orientated, whether on the sports field or at work, I love a target to go for. So being stuck with life on pause has made me and I`m sure many others frustrated and a bit impatient.
Hebrews 12 1-3
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
The above passage reminds us that as believers in Jesus, the race we are running is a different one from the world. Our prize is eternal life and no matter what we are facing on earth, the promise is that we don`t do this earthly existence on our own. We know that those who have run the race before us are cheering us on.
Like I shared at the beginning of this Blog, I believe it is vital to have a goal in life. To get there we have to learn, train and educate ourselves to achieve whatever the goal is. Those at the top of their field, sport, business or anything as a rule got there through hard work, discipline, dedication and huge sacrifice.
The life of Faith has to have these same tools, doing the best we can in whatever situation we find ourselves, we know the prize is way beyond a trophy or promotion in this world.
So please keep running the race. Surround yourself with friends, family and a church who can cheer you on and pick you up when you stumble over life`s hurdles which you will encounter on the track.
Photo by Braden Collum on Unsplash
