Be Encouraged

This week we witnessed our first gold medal at the Olympic games by the women’s 7’s rugby team. What an amazing feeling of nationalism and belonging I experienced as the women received their medals followed by the singing of the national anthem as the flag was raised. The world then saw our unique Aotearoa New Zealand culture with the performance of the women’s haka. More medals followed  in rowing (gold, silver and bronze) and the men’s triathlon (oh what a race). We honour the hard work and dedicated effort of all our athletes. Go the kiwis!!!!!!!

The bible talks about the race we run daily as children of God.

The Apostle Paul tells us that a race has been set before us (Hebrew 12:1), and he instructs us to run in such a way as to obtain the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24). Our race begins when we declare with our mouths that “Jesus is Lord” and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9).

As you read the following scripture may you be encouraged in your walk with Lord. Keep your eyes on Jesus.

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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrew 12:1-3)