26/06/2005 Running the Race of Life

26/06/2005
"Running the Race of Life"
Mark Conner
CityLife Church Sunday 9am

Heb 12:1-3, 1 Cor 9:24-27, Phil 3:12-14
Running a race requires:

• perseverance (going strong)
• keeping your eyes fixed on the prize (a winning attitude)
  

Some people are running strong:

• keep going!

Some people slow down:

1. Fatigue
• some people become tired.
2. Running at an unsustainable pace
• some try to do too much and burnout.
• it is necessary tosometimes choose to slow down otherwise you may be forced to slow down.
• "I am always in haste, but never in a hurry. I never take on more than I can handle with perfect calmness in spirit." - John Wesley
3. Running on a new path
• sometimes we need to slow down and adapt to change before we go all out at full speed.
• every new chapter needs to be developed (eg. new job, new relationship)
  

Some people are coasting:

• some people slow down, and become content with their new speed.
• these people have lost their purpose (Rev. 2:1-7)
  

Some people stop:

• these people have given up hope because of dire situations or failure
• God will help us if circumstances cause us to stop. It will take time and healing. He wants us to eventually run again.
• some stop because of disillusionment or discouragement. (Ps 34:18) God wants you to understand this is not the end. There is a destination for you.
  

Some people have detoured:

• some people are lost. They need to realise they are lost, turn around and get back on track.

Winning isn't about not falling, but getting up again each time you fall and refusing to let failure grip you.