Ready:
“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” —Hebrews 12:1-2
Set:
In baseball, for World Series games, there have been only 19 walk-off home runs. One of the most famous home runs is from Kirk Gibson, in the 1988 World Series. Gibson had sustained injuries and was not even in the game. It was hard for him to even walk. He was called upon by his coach to pinch hit. It was the bottom of the ninth inning. Could he even get into the batter’s box to bat? On the seventh pitch, Gibson hit the ball into the right field seats to win the game. He limped around the bases, pumping his fist in the air. His team ran to home plate, jumping up and down and screaming and yelling as Gibson crossed the plate. Such an amazing moment, never to be forgotten.
In our Christian journey with Jesus Christ, we are working and trying to do our best. It’s hard work. It’s a constant effort. We have good days and challenging days. Sometimes there are periods of just average or little progress, and sometimes boredom may be our experience. God knows this can be part of our experience. He wants to help us along the journey. And he does!
He is with us each day, each step, in each victory or defeat. He whispers in our ear to keep walking, keep working, keep at it. He told us in Hebrews 12:1-2 to realize there are many who lived before we did and they made it. So much so that they are like fans in the stands who are cheering us on and a dugout of teammates ready to welcome us when we cross home plate. With their great encouragement and cheering it helps us to lay aside the weights and the things that weigh us down. They cheer loudly to keep our eyes on Jesus, who is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. We will arrive with great cheers of our finishing strong and finishing well.
Go:
Have you had a chance to kick the last goal, or make the last shot, or hit the walk off home run?
What group of Christians do you hang out with that encourages you to keep living your Christian life and faith? How does it help you to be part of this group?
Workout:
Overtime:
"Jesus, thank You that You made it all possible for me to run the race well and to finish strong. My eyes are set on You. My faith is in You. I trust You. I want that great welcome home. Give me courage to run the race well. Thank You for the witnesses who have lived before and finished well. Help me be like them. Thank You for loving me so perfectly. In Jesus’ name, amen."