Do you see what this means–all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running–and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed–that exhilarating finish in and with God–he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
Hebrews 12:1-3 MSG
Good Morning Beautiful,
One of the things that I have come to love about God is how patient He is towards His children. I know it is impossible to count all the times I have messed up or went astray, but yet God was still there to bring me back. God never once made me feel as though I couldn’t succeed for His kingdom. God reminded me time and time again, “if you fall just get back up!” I understood that my walk with Christ is gradual, and growth doesn’t happen all at once.
We have to appreciate the smaller steps God allows us to take because if we move too fast, we won’t have the certainty of who brought us through. So, when we face moments of hardship, we have the reminders to know that if God did it before, He could do it again. We grow in our faith when we take gradual steps towards the mark of Christ. With each step in this journey, God will not allow us to move forward until we have the tools to carry us to the next phase.
To endure this race, we have first to crawl, then walk, and then run! God isn’t in a hurry, He is patient and kind towards us, and He knows what we need to make it in this world.
Take an infant as an example. We all have witnessed a baby at some point, trying to figure out how their legs work. Sometimes you will see them scoot first, and then when they gain a little more confidence, they will start to stand. Once they have realized they can balance on their legs, they make an effort to use them. Typically, they will start holding on to things to provide some assistance as they try to walk. Eventually, they will take that bold step by letting go and walking with no help. Finally, you have that little toddler running around, and you sit being amazed, knowing that not too long ago, this is the same child whose only method of getting around was either being held or scooting to their destination. Now, however, they are running and full of life.
Crawling towards the mark.
God wants us to run this race with full endurance but to get there; we have to start with the basics. We have to begin by noticing that there is a change that needs to happen in our lives. You realize that it is time for you to start moving because you can no longer achieve what is necessary by riding on others’ backs. Meaning we have to recognize we need our relationship with Christ. I understand that we all have people praying for us, but we can no longer use that as an excuse not to know God for ourselves.
To crawl means you recognize you have somewhere to be, and you see the tools to get you there. You may not know how to use everything yet, but you are ready to see the possibility of what this change can offer you. You are searching for some independence, and as you grow, you will start to see that you can now apply what you have been learning to your life.
Walking towards the mark.
Applying the Word of God to your life means that you now recognize the source that can bring you through. Your understanding of things are becoming to be more in-depth, and you are inquiring about new knowledge.
You are gaining more independence, but with that comes new challenges. The challenges don’t scare you as much, but there may still be some uncertainty going into this new phase. You may find yourself gripping to things hoping that it will give you the stability you need. However, with the right support, you will see that you can let go and let God.
You are willing to see the areas in your heart that need to change and are eager to go through the process—doing what is necessary to drop the baggage and the weights that have been holding you back.
Running towards the mark.
Dropping off dead weight and feeling free to run! Now, running doesn’t seem as strained but liberating. You now see that your past no longer has a hold on you and that all the things you thought you needed to be successful in your walk you realize that there is freedom in God–something this life has never given you.
Knowing how to run, you realize that even when life gets hard, you can confidently say, ” I don’t want to go back.” With all of the ups and downs you have endured, you now see that there is only one way to come out, which is through God.
Your endurance to run is powered by a new found love that you could only gain by coming to know Christ for yourself.
God wants all of His children to run with endurance, but He needs you to have the willingness to take the first steps!
Submit your prayer request to us. We want to pray for you!
In your season of singleness, it can feel as though you are alone and at times depression and anxiety can overcome you. Here at Bulletproof Luv we want you to know that you are not alone and we want to pray for you in this season of your life.
We know that God is going to bless you and send you your promise! Submit your prayer request to us because we all need a little help at times to get us through.
