Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us RUN WITH ENDURANCE 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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

According to internet research, the word race is defined as “A competition between runners, horses, vehicles, boats, etc., to see which is the fastest in covering a set course”. In our culture today, there are a variety of different races including, but not limited to:

Motor (Autosport, Drag Racing, Motorcross, etc)

Boat (Yacht Racing, Sailing, Canoe Racing, etc)

Swimming 

Cycling (Mountain Biking, Road Bicycle Racing, BMX, etc)

Running (Marathons, Cross Country, etc)

Worldwide, a vast amount of people participate in and finish running events. For the most part, runners in any given race compete against each other with a goal in mind to finish their set course and/or to win a medal.

From a biblical standpoint, all Christians are called to run a spiritual race. The 1828 N. Webster Dictionary defines the word race as “A progress; a course; a movement or progression of any kind”. The goal for the Christian is to run his or her own race with endurance with their eyes firmly fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of their faith.

As I read, study, and meditate on God’s Word, the Lord has shown me that I’m to run the race He has orchestrated for my life, stay in my own lane while using the gifts, talents, and abilities He has entrusted to me so that I may run well. The Lord has also given me wisdom that I should not be looking around at other believers.

John 21:21-22 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remains till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”

The Lord has given each believer individually a specific calling and we are to focus on carrying out our God-given purposes. No one can run my race and I certainly can not run someone else’s. My responsibility is to do His will and fulfill the ministries He has entrusted to me.

2 Timothy 4:5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Ladies, I encourage you all to run your own races keeping your gaze strongly fixed on Jesus. I don’t mean this in a negative sense, but don’t worry about the calling that God has given to your brother or sister in Christ. When you focus on another believer’s gift(s), you lose perspective on what God wants to do through you. Zero in on what He’s entrusted to you personally, cultivate your calling, nurture it, pray over it, and faithfully live it out while using it for God’s glory. If you are unsure of what your spiritual gifts or calling is, pray and ask the Lord to reveal it. He will…He is Faithful! 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 is a great verse to meditate on as you seek the Lord for His wisdom and guidance in this area:

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

Ladies, God loves each and every one of you so much. His plan and purpose for your life is for your good and for His glory. Run your races well. Remember, you are running for an audience of One (Jesus). He is your PRIZE! Remain faithful to Him to the very end and you will hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord”. (Matthew 25:23)

Philippians 3:14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.