How To Run The Fast Paced Race Of Life

“When we focus on what God has give us, we find a better way to live.” Meghan Asbury

Yesterday I was having a conversation with some of my clients about the speed of time. We both agreed that it seems as if time had a double shot of espresso and is going at a breakneck pace. When you used to hear one major news story a week, now it seems that each day another catastrophe comes through the pipeline, sometimes 2 or 3 stories in a day. Were we created to be inundated with this much information? Sometimes I wonder if we were not made to take all of the bad news continually. Look at how the world is reacting, they have pretty much taken leave of their wits. The good news is that God did not leave us empty handed in our walk through this world. Today I am going to share another superb writing of the late Pat Carver. She wrote this in 1984, I can’t help but wonder if I recently “found” this little notebook in a pile of papers because God wanted to remind me to run the race with Him. Pat was a minister, mentor and all around wonderful person who left wondrous teaching behind when she went on to glory. Please take in her words below.

How to run the race

A race is a contest in running. Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us to run the contest, or race, with patience, and to lay aside every weight and the sin. And, as we run, to keep our eyes on Jesus who is the Perfector of our faith. The writer of Hebrews also cautions us not to be weary in our mind. 

There is a consistency developed when we keep our eyes on Jesus and His Words. He tells us in Matthew 6:22, that if our eye is single to Him, our entire body will be flooded with light. The entrance of the Word brings light, we are told in Psalms 119:130. In the spirit realm, when I turn to the Word of God for  Counsel and Answers, a light goes on. Hope is born and faith is getting ready to work. As I continue in the Word-being committed to it–and consistent in letting it reign in my mind, heart, and circumstances–I begin to walk in the light. Darkness then flees. Victory arrives on the scene. 

Put God’s Word in your heart and mind

Verse 16 of Psalm 119 says I will not forget that Word. I must choose to remember it. I must choose to make it mine. I Corinthians 9:24-26 tells us to run that we may obtain and that we are not uncertain of the outcome. We can be certain we will win because we’ve been named winners, and conquerors, and overcomers by our Father! 

How do we handle the race?

How do we handle the race? Do we quit when emergencies arise? Do we slow down when we see apparent obstacles? Do we slow our pace when the going gets rough? Or, do we realize that emergency, that obstacle, that rough spot is a weight Satan has tried to transfer on us? After all, as the scripture says, Satan walks about like a lion, seeking whom he may devour. Are we aware of the fact that our mind is trying to take on a weariness that Jesus already dealt with on the cross? 

Change your mindset

Cast down imaginations and switch your mind and attention back over to the Word. Speak the Word (scripture) consistently–out loud–listening to it and meditating on it. Cling to it. Walk it out. Love it as you love Him for it is His Word, His love letter to you. 

Run the race joyfully

Run the race joyfully, for He runs with us! Run it with enjoyment–for His joy is our strength. Run it with confidence–for we win! Run it with peace–for the Prince of peace has run it before us. Run it with grace and mercy–for His grace and mercy are poured out to us. The results have already been established in the Spirit realm–so rejoice that you will see them in you. His peace which passes all human understanding. 

Pat’s words still apply today

When I read Pat’s words, I couldn’t help but think of how we perform duties in life. Whether those  activities are hobbies, our relationships, our jobs, our interests of cooking, painting, playing music, the list could go on and on. What do these activities have in common? We must familiarize ourselves with the tasks over and over. We do not begin with a firm grasp of the task at hand. We have to make it part of our minds. Even mundane tasks become a part of us, watching shows, listening to music, etc.. We take the time to spend in those spaces. Can you take some time to familiarize yourself with God’s promises and power in your life? The scripture tells us that God’s Word does not return void and it accomplishes its purpose. I encourage you all to take some time to get to know God. Thank you Pat for your inspired words.