Today’s Bible Verse
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)
Endurance for the Race
We have been called to live a life of faith because without faith, it’s impossible to please the Lord. It is an amazing privilege and blessing to be empowered by the Lord to change our natural circumstances. Jesus bestowed upon us His authority and power so that we can live in victory and ultimately fulfill the Great Commission of preaching the gospel and making disciples.
This scripture instructs us to strip off every weight that slows us down. The biggest weight that holds the believer from their potential in Christ Jesus is sin. It could be a simple act of disobedience to what the Lord has asked of us, a negative attitude towards others, or compromise in certain areas of our lives. We must run with endurance and not allow the things of this world to weigh us down. Unbroken fellowship with God through prayer and studying the scriptures helps us to walk strong in the spirit.
Exercise may be the last thing on your mind when you’re feeling low on energy, but consistent exercise will help build your endurance. Endurance refers to your body’s physical capability to sustain an exercise for an extended period of time. Just as we can build up our physical endurance, we can also build up our spiritual endurance for the race that God has set before us. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Practical application of the Word builds up our faith and trust in God’s promises which enables us to move mountains! (Pastor Patti Matanza, Word of Life Yokohama)
An Uncommon Life
During winter it gets pretty cold in Japan. Now that it is spring, I recently started running again. The cherry blossoms are beginning to bloom here in Japan and it is such a beautiful sight to behold. With each running session I’ve had, my endurance to run further and at a faster pace has steadily been increasing. We must implement the same practices in developing our spirit. Stay consistent with the Word and prayer and you will live the Uncommon Life that God has destined for you to live.
Today’s Declaration
I choose to take upon the mentality that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Greater is He who lives in me than he who is in the world. If God be for me then nothing can stand against me. I am more than a conqueror in Christ! By the grace of God, I have endurance to run my race strong for the glory of God. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Today’s Bible Reading
- Old Testament: Nehemiah 1-2; Proverbs 9
- New Testament: Luke 16:1-9; 1 Timothy 6:1-10
