It’s so easy to slide into the routine of wishing we could be more like someone else. We get tired of the same ol’ us and we wish we were more like this person or that person. It can happen to the best of us. I’m not faulting you. The problems is that we are unique. Every little thing about us is unique! Your darn right we are! Our DNA, looks, personality, fingers and toes and the list goes on. There is no other YOU on this planet. And this planet needs you. Desperately!
The bible likens our life of faith to a race. I Corinthians 9:24 says, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run”. Hebrews 12:1 goes on to say, “and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us”. Each one of us has a very specific race the Lord wants us to run. A race that was and is designed for you. A specialized race that if you don’t run, no one else will be there to do it. It’s your race!! Your run it or it will not be ran.
What’s really cool about God is that he gives you everything you need to run your race. Yep, he gives you the right shoes, the proper clothes and just the right amount of nutrients and liquids you need. He might even throw in a few energy bars for that extra kick that is always needed. You have been given the gifting, talent and skills. You have been provided for and there is plenty more provision where that came from. Our God has limitless resources and he loves nothing more than bestowing upon you more from his strong right arm.
Think about this… He took took 9 months to individualize you in your mothers womb. He poured his miracles into you over and over again. The great artist of humanity put special touches on you and he has never pulled them back out again. He marked you and he never misses with his markings. He never makes mistakes. He is always on point. Perfect. You were created perfectly!
Now, if your going to run the race, you might as well win it. And if your going to win it, your going to have prepare properly. Preparation is everything. My old high school baseball coach placed a sign in the dugout that said “6P’s”… Proper Preparation Prevents Pathetic Poor Performance. I could not have said it better myself. Thanks Coach!
I believe there are 3 things you have to do when it comes to preparation and this race of faith.
- Be All In.
- Be Instrospective.
- Be Coachable.
Winning is not solely predicated on talent, skill or gifting. Many have those traits. Winners are usually the ones who are not “somewhat in” or “partially in” or “kind of in”… Winners are all in!! Nothing will trip you up more than not giving 100%. A track race demands you give your best or you will not win. Faith is the same. We must not be luke warm. We can’t be “kind of” into Jesus. It’s a complete, all in commitment with your body, soul and spirit!
Do you ever stop and take inventory of your life? Is my life healthy? Am I thriving? You might find that there are things that are hindering you and holding you back. Being introspective along with letting the word of God wash over you will really help. Take the following scripture as an example:
Hebrews 12:1-2 (Message Version)
“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.”
In Jesus there is freedom from the sin and “stuff” that so easily entangles us and hinders us. One thing that will help you obtain greater freedom is my third point; BE COACHABLE.
If we are going to win in this race of faith, were not going to be able to do it alone. In most cases it takes a tribe of people around you to accomplish individual success. Your sustained success in life will in many ways hinge on you remaining coachable and teachable. Take the following verses as an example:
Proverbs 13:18 says, Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored.
Proverbs 12:1 says, Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
Pastors, Teachers, Mentors, Coaches, Friends, Accountability team… No one trains alone. The race of faith is done as a community. A team. Together.
Be all in. Be introspective. Be coachable. Be YOU!!!
By: Marvin Slaton
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