Second Wind

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;  Hebrews 12:1-2a

I look around and I see a lot of tired Christians.  Weights and sins of the world have weighed them down and caused them to veer off the Course God placed them on (Acts 20:24)  They have either stopped along the road somewhere, taken another direction, or they have decided to quit.  The race no longer has meaning for them.

Why?

They have taken their eyes off the finish line.

Are you discouraged?  "And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee; he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee:  fear not, neither be dismayed."  Deuteronomy 31:8

Do you need strength?  "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee: yea; I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."  Isaiah 41:10

Are you weary?  Tired?  "He giveth power to the faint; and to the them that have no might he increaseth strength." Isaiah 40:29

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength:  they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary: and they shall walk, and not faint."  Isaiah 40:31

Do you battle a chronic illness?  "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.  Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."  2 Corinthians 12:9

It's time for Christians to use their Second Wind.  If you are a runner, you know what I'm talking about.  My friend and I used to run 2 miles a day, then enter 5K Runs at the Military Base where our husbands were stationed overseas.  When we would first start our run, we were so out of breath, we didn't think we would make it to the next block.  But your body does a funny thing when you decide to keep going.  Your breathing and heart beat begin to regulate itself in such a way, that eventually, you begin to think you could run forever!

It's called your Second Wind.  This is how Webster defines it:  Renewed energy or endurance.

And I love the example he uses:  'The sight of the Finish Line gave the runners a Second Wind.'

I love that!  James 5:11a says, "Behold, we count them happy which endure."

I want to encourage you today, that whatever you are facing in your Christian Race...DON'T QUIT!  The Finish Line is just around the corner!

Let's be like the Apostle Paul and finish our course!  I know I want to-

    But that's just me!

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:"  2 Timothy 4:7