SUNNY THOUGHTS FROM SUNSET by Vance Drum 11-16
The Sunset pastor on Sunday continued our series “Running the Race: Facing Life’s Challenges with Confidence and Hope,” with a message, “Running with Perseverance.” The text was from Hebrews 12:1: “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
Ever feel like quitting?
The New York Marathon was last weekend, and at mile 20 (out of 26.2), the runners’ hearts were pounding, their respiration labored. But they didn’t quit.
During the Boston Marathon, at mile 20 comes Heartbreak Hill — a long, fairly steep uphill trek. Everybody slows down, and some walk. But they normally don’t quit.
During World War II, Adolf Hitler’s German Luftwaffe (air force) sent hundreds of bombing missions at night over the city of London, England, which was lit up with massive fires. During the daytime, the great British Prime Minister Winston Churchill walked the streets of his bombed out city — chomping on a cigar, and flashing V for Victory signs everywhere. He inspired the British people not to give up.
In the recent epic World Series games, the triumphant Houston Astros were down but not out so many times. They refused to give up, and they won the Series!
It’s called not giving up. It’s perseverance, not quitting, in the face of great challenge and difficulty.
So in the Christian race, we persevere. Sometimes things are tough. But things got tough for Jesus too, at Calvary.
Our text says, “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
How do we develop perseverance?
The pastor made three points: (1) The Witnesses; (2) The Hindrances; (3) The Race.
(1) The Witnesses. V1: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses….” The writer says, In this race, you are not alone! There is a great host of encouragers and helpers. They pray for us, and urge us on.
Some are in our memories from the past — a parent, grandparent, teacher, pastor or friend — who inspire us to carry on as they did in their day.
Others are witnesses, fellow pilgrims in this life. They are people still living who encourage us by their example of faith, hope and love.
Sometimes we feel all alone, as Elijah did: “I am the only one left, and now Jezebel is trying to kill me too.” But God said: “I have 7,000 who have not bowed their knee to Baal.” Be encouraged and drive on!
(2) The Hindrances. V1: “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles….” What do we do with our hindrances and our sin?
In our American culture many have become sloppy in our relationship with God, and with how we live our lives.
Many are cultural Christians — meaning we get married and buried in a church, but as far as living for God as a devout person who worships and walks in God’s way, many try to ride the fence, or are found on the wrong side of the fence.
The writer says: “Throw off everything that hinders.” Ask yourself: Is this practice, what I’m looking at or what I’m reading going to help or hinder my journey in the Christian race?
If it’s the hindrance of a sin that I keep practicing, then it will destroy me. I’ll mention two:
(a) Illegal drug use is an addictive plague that will kill you. If you are addicted, get help. It’s available.
(b) The hook-up culture of casual sexual relating in America — making babies, having abortions, disregarding God’s will for men and women to marry and raise their children — is killing stable families, producing directionless kids, and creating poverty. May God deliver us.
God’s people must be radical with the devil: Throw out all that hinders.
(3) The Race. “Let us run with perseverance….” In this race, God forgives our sins and failures as we are endeavoring to serve Him. He is the God of new beginnings. Look up! Jesus is your strong, helping brother.
“The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.” [Psalm 103:20]
May the throne of our Creator be established in your heart this week, and forever — our prayer for you from your friends at Sunset Christian Church.