Running the race! (Thoughts from Ephesians 3:1-3)

God got Paul’s attention on the road to Damascus. Born as “Saul” into a long family line of Pharisees, he studied under the most prestigious teachers of his day. As a young man he took it as his personal mission to seek out and punish the followers of Christ – no wonder he didn’t feel worthy to represent God. Yet he records … “though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ”. Ephesians 3:7-9(NLT)

God often uses us when we least expect it. He takes who we are and puts us in places to show His undeniable work of grace in our lives. Paul experienced God’s mighty power in his life even though he felt undeserving because of his past, like many of us might today. 

He experienced how brutal life in this fallen world can be, experiencing all kinds of hardships and physical suffering as well. In the midst of all that he shared these words – “Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ…” Philippians 3:8-9(NLT)

The Apostle Paul knew the price following Christ could have, but he determined what real peace was compared to everything else. Running the race may be difficult, but Paul tells us not to be discouraged but to face the challenges before us. Near the end of his life, he said, “As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” 2 Timothy 4:6-7(NLT)

Do you ever think about the race you’ve been running? Is it taking you where you want to go?  I know left to my own efforts and the pressures of this world I would surely mess up. But by the grace and mercy of God, I am not alone – He is there to guide me. 

The God of the universe has a purpose and a plan for each of us. Ask Him to guide your life – commit your way to Him and run the race!