Heather, Day 4

Spiritually Fit to Run the Race

Heather, Day 4

A year ago I was sitting in church when the High School Pastor challenged the congregation to write our eulogy. I shrugged it off. What a morbid thought. Before the service was over, I had made the commitment to do it.

Every year for my birthday, my husband graciously watches our 3 children while I go on a mini- secluded retreat by myself. I have to admit, at first being with just me was hard to do. Now I covet that time. So I set out with a mission, I was going to write my own eulogy.

It was not easy. I learned a valuable lesson though. I learned that I have a lot to do with what is going to be said at my own funeral. Go figure. I am not going to share it with you today, I think I have written enough for a month, but if you want to see it, I would like to encourage you to read it, then write your own. Just let me know and I will email it to you.

You learn a lot about yourself and reflect on those relationships around you when you consider your own death.

So where does "Spiritually Fit to Run the Race" fit into all this? Well, I came out of the writing process with a goal, a mission statement. A one-liner for others to remember me by. I came to the conclusion that all the great things I wrote may or may not happen. I am no longer in control of my life. So for me, it was fitting to take the title of the first book that I did when I started this online devotional. It was very powerful and it was the book that launched me into what I believe is fulfilling the will of God in my life. I encourage anyone to read "Spiritually Fit to Run the Race" by Kenneth C. Ulmer.

It is okay to dream and plan and have something to live for, a goal. So that is my intention, but I have no clue what God has planned and I am not about to stand in his way. Of course I considered my children's lives and how we all do ministry together, that they marry men who reflect the character of Christ. Of course, but....... who knows.

In Ecclesiastes 9:11 Solomon writes "I have observed something else in this world of ours. The fastest runner doesn't always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn't always win the battle. The wise are often poor, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don't always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being at the right place at the right time.

In 1 Corinthians 9:24 it says "Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade a way, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.

In 2 Timothy 4:7 it says "I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me-the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that great day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his glorious return.

And my favorite... Hebrews 12:1 says "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up.

Dear Lord, I pray that I have been able to speak your word this week without making it about me. For my story is your story and I pray that you will always be glorified by my testimony. I pray that we will all have enough endurance to run the race, that we will finish well.

Please pray for Pastor Dale Collver this week. (he has a separate prayer letter he sends out each week if you would like to sign up for it. Email him at www.dcollver@hillchurch.com )

Angela and I would like to hear from you. Please take the time to respond to us today with questions or comments about the information we have shared the last two weeks. Is this something you enjoyed? Would you be willing to share your testimony with us? We would love to include these comments and questions tomorrow along with praises and prayer. We can keep them confidential if you would like.

Next week, we start a new devotional series. We are going to go through the 10 th chapter of Proverbs, The Proverbs of Solomon. This will be a shorter series than usual, but Angela and I are working on some new ideas and structure for the devotional, so we are going to be meeting once a week in prayer for the group. If you would like to join us in praying, please let us know. If you would like an invite letter for friends, family and co-workers for the next series, please also let us know. Contact us at www.womenofworship1@gmail.com, hcollver@msn.com, or angdstolpe@gmail.com .

God Bless You All
Heather