I am not good at running!
And that’s an understatement…
In fact, I hate running. Perhaps this has something to do with the fact that my little sister could always beat me hollow when running races. You know, the pain of a burst ego bubble and all that sort of thing. Anyway, I still hate running.
Yet, the Bible compares our lives to a race:
Heb 12:1+2 “…let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…”
I hate running. Does that mean that I have to hate my life? No!
I have racing experience in other areas. In fact, I think there are very few people who haven’t competed in some form or other. The competitive spirit is built into us.
I love swimming. Now there’s an endurance sport for you! Also sailing… Which brings us to “The Regatta.”
So far, I have only ever sailed in one regatta! (Yes,yes, I know… Call your blog “The Regatta” and then admit you’ve only ever sailed in one regatta! )
This particular regatta was spread over two days. On the first day of the regatta, I sailed my own boat. On the second day, I crewed for one of the best sailors at the club. And boy, was it hard work!
There was hardly any wind, so for a large proportion of the time I had to stand on my knees and hold the jibsail out! By the end of the day my knees felt as if they were dead! My stomach muscles did not like me much either. That day I learnt that sailing takes energy!
Just like living for God takes energy.
Energy to keep His commands because of the love we have for Him. Energy to vanquish the clinging sin. Energy to study His Word daily. Energy to build a relationship with Him. Energy to pray. Energy to love.
Where does the energy come from?
“…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
God commands us to keep running. He gives us energy to keep running.
His Son was the perfect example of how to run.
The Regatta 