Living Life in a Passionate Pursuit

After running the 2010 LA Marathon I came to a realization that this life set before us has been predestined and thought out well by an Awesome, all Knowing, Creative God. I have resolved in my mind the scriptures are true and our days are numbered here on earth. God has given us appointed set times and seasons. What life brings has been written into our story which includes the decisions we have made. I came to an understanding that in this race of life there is a prize, a reward, to be received at the finish line that will come through a path of opposition. Everyone has their own unique individualized challenges. The pace, the obstacles, the setbacks, the hills, the mountains, the conditions that arise are different. I have found if your mind is made up with a will to remain focused despite the obstacles, negative voices, and resistance it will not be able to penetrate your pursuit. On that 26 mile run I was faced with eye opening challenges but chose to not allow it to distract me. I continued to walk by faith and follow through with what I confessed "I will complete my race with patience with no complaints or murmuring." Pain was a reality that could not be avoided and was temporarily relieved by the anesthetics that they had for the runners such as anesthetic sprays and patches. From the young to the old, pain was a path you could not avoid. The road you may be on can become hopeless and leave you discouraged but nevertheless I had to tell myself "Push through the pain" Yes I am hurting but nevertheless my passion kept burning to finish to see what the end will bring. The encouraging voice of my running partner made a significant impact on my spirit to finish what I started. When I needed to slow down or stretch, my running partner did not leave me but spoke encouraging words and motivated me. When she became weak I would encourage and motivate her. The Lord showed me this is how we need to be encouraging one another in our race of life.

Do you know 28,000 runners started off strong and ran with an expectation to finish? Well approximately only 22,000 runners finished that day. I don't believe 6,000 people who paid $100 to run thought they would not finish their race.

My God! At the finish line a euphoric joy came over me with tears trailing down my face. A feeling almost like giving birth to a newborn baby. I remember having my eyes closed and my arms raised up high to the heavens. It came to me as vivid as day what it may be like when I meet our Father, Our Lord Jesus Christ, at the end of my life with arms open wide saying the words, well done my good and faithful daughter you ran well, despite the good and the bad, despite the pain and the perverse plans the enemy plotted against you, enter into the joy of the Lord."

In conclusion, I encourage you to run! Run with passion in pursuit of a purpose driven life, Endure! Persevere! through the good and hard times knowing that our Lord Jesus Christ understands and is cheering for you and will strengthen you. Know that pain will not last and joy will come. Yes I speak Joy now! Let the joy of the Lord strengthen you in your passionate pursuit of living life on today that you may receive the reward God has for you. Believe me its worth it.

2 Timothy 2:3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. (NLT)

Hebrews 10:36 You need to persevere, so that after you have done God's will, you will receive what He has promised. (BSB)

Hebrews 12:2 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.(NIV)

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