Get In the Race
Get in the Race
Run your Race with Joy
Run your Race in Accordance with his Teachings
Today, while listening to a podcast, the preacher mentioned running your race with joy. It really struck a chord within me. We all have activities and involvements where we strive to perform our best. We strive to improve by practicing, learning, and adjusting.I will use Barrel Racing to illustrate my point. It is something I know well. When I head to a barrel race, I'm not thinking, "God, help me find joy in all I do." Instead, my mind races with thoughts of the race and what I need to do. My thoughts revolve around my horse, my tack and body position, the pattern and the condition of the ground. Those are the things that are running through my head. Before entering the arena, I center my thoughts on my run and am filled with an unyielding desire to win . I don't think anyone could say that when they enter a race, their desire is to come in last place. It's natural to have the aspiration of being the best version of ourselves for us and our horses. But it stopped me in my tracks when I heard “Run Your Race with Joy”.Where is my focus? When I say "I hand everything over to God, give him all the power to lead me and trust in him he will turn all things for the good". Am I really doing this? Or do I only find joy when things go well? Why am attaching my joy to the outcome of a race? Adopting the perspective of "Running My Race with Joy" allows me to appreciate the blessings of being able to spend time with my horses and engage in activities with people who share my interests.Memories from when I was very young resurfaced in my mind. I asked my dad to cover the deck railing with a shag green carpet. He fastened a string to the railing. Hours upon hours, I would sit on that railing and green carpet, imagining I was riding a horse. God planted that desire in my heart. It filled me with joy to sit on that shag green carpet and dream about owning my own horse. Why do the RESULTS of a barrel race have such an IMPACT on MY JOY? My perception may be skewed. God is calling me to run the race of life with joy, but I have to be willing to take the first step.
Get in the Race
God has given us desires and dreams, but fear often holds us back from pursuing them. I challenge you to trust in Him and enter the race. He will guide and bless you, allowing you to run with joy and bring blessings to His name.Finally, run your race according to God's teachings. Listen and study His word, and align yourself with His direction. Your personal aspirations are important, but God has a greater purpose. When you run joyfully and according to His teachings, others will see Jesus moving in your life. This gives you the opportunity to connect with those who need to hear His word and lift them up. Our goal is not to accumulate buckles, but to live our lives for God and share His word with others. Let's bring more people to know His almighty grace and peace. Embrace Joy
Get in the Race
Run your Race with Joy
Run your Race in Accordance with his Teachings
