There’s a Hebrews verse that has spoken to me over the years. In Romans 12, I hear Paul from the sidelines, “Run your race!”
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT.
Run your race.
In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability …speak out, serve, teach, encourage, give, lead, show kindness (and do it gladly). Romans 12:6-8.
Run your race.
Really love. Hate wrong. Honor each other. Work hard. Keep praying. Romans 12:9-13.
Run your race.
Bless those who persecute you. Live in harmony. Never take revenge. Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12:14-21.
Run your race.
The running is sweaty and messy and painful and ugly … but sometimes the view is beautiful; and the breeze is refreshing; and you meet new friends along the way; and you know that you aren’t alone. Or forsaken.
Run.
Father God, I don’t know the course, but you do–and it is good and pleasing and perfect, your will. Even on the hardest days, where would I ever want to be but in your will? Thank you for loving me the way I am, in progress. You created me–the messy parts and the beautiful parts and the quirky parts. I want to keep my eyes fixed on you, Author and Perfecter. Help me to throw off the things that hold me back from living the life you’ve called me to.
Courtney (66books365)
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Romans 12:1 NLT.
Sixty-six books in a year 