Thanks to Ingrid Clark for sharing this devotion with our St. John’s family. We hope to share a devotion written by someone in our congregation each Friday.
RUNNING THE RACE OF FAITH WITH PEACE
I used to be an avid runner, but these days running is one of the last things I ever want to do. I love going on daily walks with Ty. We have some of our best conversations out on our walks. I’ve also enjoyed many solo walks because it gives me a chance to really relax and hear from God. Some of my favorite walks communing with God has been down on Skyline Drive. I love being by the water, the breeze and the sounds of the waves refreshes my soul. So, back to running…any runner will tell you, one concern while running is coming across obstacles in the road. As humans our natural tendency in trying to avoid them is to focus on the obstacles. Ironically, this causes you to head straight for them. Over the years I’ve learned what’s best, is to keep my eyes looking up the road and pass by without giving the obstacles much attention.
Isn’t it the same with life? When we put energy and emphasis on the obstacles that come our way, evaluating them from every angle, we end up stressing ourselves out trying to figure them all out. We get stuck focusing on the wrong things. But the bible tells us to instead to keep our focus on Jesus. Our peace will come through believing and trusting in the good path that He has laid out for us. Now more than ever during these unprecedented and uncertain times we need to keep our focus on Jesus. Everything that God has promised us is true and possible through his Son. Fix your eyes on Him! Run your race with faith that he will guide you. Run your race with endurance knowing Jesus will strengthen you and give you His peace!
I’d like to leave you all with the timeless words of Psalm 23…
The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever
Amen
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)
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.
In His Service,
Ingrid Clark
