I will patiently run the race that I have before me

From: June 19-25, 2007 Study: # 497

TOPIC: “I will patiently run the race that I have before me” Hebrews 12:1-3 In our tiredness there is a possible defeat. When weariness overcomes us we become defeated. We sometimes think that there are things that are not worthwhile and we just want to flee. Because of this tiredness there are great defeats. 2 Samuel 21:1517 David had courageous men at his side. They were in the middle of a war and David was fighting against Ishbi-Benob who was a descendant of the giants. He had a brass lance that weighed an average of ten pounds. Being David the King he always went out with his army to battle; he always fought to defend his life, his family and his people. God chooses us so that we can become great warriors to battle in this road. The airwaves belong to Satan and the demons but one day they will be tossed into the lake of fire and sulfur. David was in great struggles and great wars. If we are in the Lord we are in great wars. We sometimes think that this road is very difficult, but, who said that this road was easy? This road is narrow. When there is strength everything looks better, but the day we are fragile we start losing strength. At times like this we have to depend completely on Jehovah. Several things had already happened to David, the death of a son, the treason of another son, etc. During this specific war David got tired, but he didn't faint. We can get tired but we must never faint. This is not good for us. We must understand that we only have one life to live. In the eternity it won't be necessary to fight. Now there are many wars, many battles. We can see that in a funeral many cry. The deceased leave happily with the Lord. But we have to continue battling here. Let us understand today that we have to be brave. When David was in great difficulties and God knew that he needed aid, He consigned him help. Although such a big lance could destroy him, Jehovah aided him. As well as you have been aided in your youth, likewise it will be in your old-age. Before Jesus went to the cross He was praying and He was exhausted and God sent an angel to strengthen Him. Satan comes furious to destroy you, but understand that you have to be brave. James 4:7 We must be brave. We must not hide. In difficult times the devil comes against you with legions. You should also draw your lance of ten pounds. We are here to succeed in our battles. Although many fail we shall not. The great and powerful God will deliver us. Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee. Sometimes, when we are in difficulties we complain too much. We need God’s favor in our lives. We constantly complain about everything. It should not be this way. This is a great battle and we will succeed. When there are many problems and illnesses we must pray and fast. Your refuge should be God. Let us be brave and determined. As tired as David was he said: “There is a war and I must go”. When we become too tired, we become less motivated to worship. But David did just the opposite. Do you believe in God? Years come against us, our body comes against us. But the God who rose on behalf of David, of Abraham, of Deborah, etc. is the same one that rises on our behalf. David wrote songs of worship in spite of all his circumstances and battles. He wrote for his harp. And everything is to edify us, so that we could acknowledge the greatnesses of God. Many

times we forget all the times God has delivered us and we forget it rapidly. In spite of our tiredness we must always praise Him and be thankful. Let us look back and remember all the times that He has delivered us. Let us not forget everything that God has done for us in our lives. How many times do we speak doubting of God? Do you dare to say, "no matter what may happen I will resist?" Beloved, you must not turn back or you will end up in Hell. We have to be brave. It is said that, "those who remain silent agree". In the gospel brave and determined people are needed. If God is in you, there will be well-being for others. Those who become tired will be defeated. They may come up with many excuses but the truth is that there has been spiritual weariness. Hebrews 11:1, 2 Let us see what all these great men of God did so that our spirit will not become tired and not faint. In this chapter there is a record of all those who conquered by faith, they conquered in order to obtain victory. God expected them to live up to his standards and expects the same from us. Example: Abraham, over a hundred years old, had a goal to reach but without becoming tired. If our body is inactive we will perish. The cloud of witnesses in Heaven are people of faith, witnesses of the faith. Luke 15:7 The Word tells us that there is a feast in Heaven when someone repents. Heaven can see every time someone converts. Therefore, there is a great cloud of witnesses watching us. All of them, while on earth, were able to resist; they all went through battles to fulfill a destiny, a purpose. And now that cloud of witnesses observes us. The Christian life is not a trip. Christian life is not easy. Each one of us has a destiny and we should ask ourselves always how much have we achieved. Were we born to complain? Look at your hands. Are they full or empty? To know that there is a cloud of witnesses observing us should be of encouragement for our lives. We should not run this race with half-hearted so that no one will tell us that we are weak. As Christians we are athlete runners that compete before a great cloud of witnesses that are watching us. Nothing that we do can remain hidden. We must avoid becoming tired because the spectators are watching over us with great interest. Knowing what we have to do is a conviction. We are accountable before God of everything we do. We should make an effort to look good. This is essential in Christian life. We cannot become contaminated. We must show we are worthy of the Lord and of the sacrifice He made for us. If we loose our spirit we cease to pray and it is sad to see some with fallen spirit. To sin no longer matters, to pray either. And as the years pass others will take our place. We have to be courageous with a well-disposed spirit. We have to be firm and brave to be able to end this race. When we are being supervised we should try our best. This road is a great career. Let us struggle with the help of the Lord to run this race and to complete it. Amen.