And they're off! I love the starting line to a race. There's an air of anticipation and expectancy. Watching Olympic athletes is inspirational to me. They've worked so hard to prepare for this moment and ...they want to win.
The movie Chariots of Fire is one of my favorites. It's about the 1924 Olympics and Eric Liddell is a competitor but he's also a missionary. His sister doesn't understand why he wastes his time running. He kindly tells her:
I believe God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.
To feel the pleasure of God; oh my!
To race to the finish line and have Him say "well done, my good and faithful servant".
That's my goal for my race.
My race may not sound as exciting as an Olympic competition. But my race is important. It's how I live out each day. It's not a sprint. It's a long distance race. I'm in in for the long haul. I need power from on high. Holy Spirit power is what it takes to run my race.
I prepare myself with a daily quiet time, soaking up the Scriptures and praying. I get rid of anything that might hinder me by confessing my sins. I ask for His guidance for my day. I empty me of self and ask for to be filled to overflowing with His love and His presence.
This is how I run my race. I don't do it perfectly. When I fall, I get up. And when I'm given those moments to share His love with another ...I feel His pleasure.
STOP
Blessings and love,
Popping in from FMF. I have to start my day off with quiet time, too. It makes everything else go so much smoother and helps me to focus on what really matters, even though the rest of the day is usually me racing around nonstop. :) Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLOVE this Debbie! That line from Chariots of Fire is iconic and one of my favorites. Just mentioning it makes me smile...thank you for sharing your heart and His love...and pleasure! :0)
ReplyDeleteLove it, love it. I love the way you expressed your feelings. Great post.
ReplyDeleteAwesome post my friend.
ReplyDeletegreat encouragement here...it is a long slow race...keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus...I wrote of racing too....blessings and grace as you run with Him~
ReplyDeleteAmen...I am in the race also, bruised by the falls, yet glorying in my weakness, because there is where He is strong
ReplyDeleteYou were on my heart this morning so I lifted you and Greg before the throne..have a great weekend
feel His pleasure. oh my goodness.....
ReplyDeleteyes.
(and now I want to watch Chariots of Fire!) :)
what a great write! thrilled you stopped by my place so I knew to visit. thank you!!
I haven't thought about Chariots of Fire in a long time. One of the best all time movies for sure!
ReplyDeleteAnd, you have such a beautiful way with words and always bless and inspire me.
Happy weekend!
I too want to watch Chariots of Fire! "To feel His pleasure". So good! Have a beautiful weekend.
ReplyDeleteOh yes Debbie, 'To race to the finish line and have Him say "well done, my good and faithful servant"'.Our lives in eternity are being affected now by the many choices we make daily. We must run with perseverance! :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings and hugs for a joyful weekend! :)
Denise