Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God
Have you ever had a dream that was so vividly clear that you were shocked when you woke up that it truly was just a dream. In the last few months I have had so many confirmations from God about staying on His course and running His race, and not allowing things or people to hinder me, that I truly felt the importance of sharing this dream as I know for a fact that it was of God.
In my dream I was at the starting line of a race. I didn't, however, know what the fine details of the race were, or exactly how long the race would be. When I would ask people in my dream about the details of the race that was about to start, nobody seemed to have the answer. They just would shrug their shoulders, smile, and continued to stretch and prepare. Nobody had any answers on where the course led exactly or how long it was, but they were all preparing for the race ahead. I remember my concern was wondering if I would be able to go the distance and how I would know where to run. I was also wondering if I was dressed properly. The course was not marked the way you would normally see a race course marked. There were no obvious markings at all, so I really had to keep my eyes and ears alert and focused to what seemed to be watching and listening, in order to remain on the path. As the race began, I somehow knew that I could not necessarily count on being able to follow others that were also running. We were all running but at different paces and possibly different focuses of the race. I also came upon many situations where there were people standing on the sides of the path that would encourage me to stop and take a rest and sit for awhile, telling me that I must be exhausted. At one point, I remember being told that I was thirsty by someone on the side who handed me a cup. As I ran, however, I do not recall ever being thirsty for water. Never-the-less I took the drink and for whatever reason, it did not taste good. I then became frustrated, knowing I had wasted time by stopping. I remember continuing on my path with the only thing I was "thirsty for" was to stay focused and keep running to find the finish line. At one point I somehow got off the path and ended up in someones house. They encouraged me to rest awhile, but I knew I couldn't, and that I had to keep going. I remember struggling to find my way out of their house and nobody would show me the door out. I finally found it, and continued to gain my focus back. Eventually, I found my way back to the path and continued to run, knowing I needed to remain steady on the course and not lose focus, feeling that urgency to keep going and not getting distracted. Periodically there would be people on the side that would encourage me to keep running, but there seemed to be many more distractions of those attempting to get me to stop or rest for awhile. In my dream I never laid eyes on the finish line before I woke up, but I knew I would have found it eventually as long as I remained steadfast on the path and the goal. The sense of urgency to keep moving forward was indescribable. When I woke, I was so breath taken because I KNEW that it had been a dream God had given me.
Prior to having this dream I have had so many different confirmations of God speaking to me about running the race that He has put me on. He continues to encourage me over and over to continue to remain steadfast on where He is calling me and to keep my focus. I am to be ready. I am to be built up and prepared for whatever may lay ahead.
I am not sure exactly what God is calling you to do. Maybe you need to ask Him to show you. There is no doubt He has a race for all of us to run. Although there are, and will always be times of being tempted with distractions and hindrances, its learning to remain focused on HIM and remaining persistent that will eventually bring you to His finish line of the race. The race may be difficult at times as it may seem like you are running up hill, or even in circles. If, however, you keep your eyes on the prize of Christ, He surely will direct your path. Blessings and treasures lay ahead along the way for those who remain steadfast on the course. I find that His voice seems to become more clear the more focused my running becomes and the more I keep my eyes on the path. Oh, and the unspeakable joy - WOW!! So keep running, stay focused, and follow His voice. The finish line may be closer than you think. Blessings.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
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