We started out talking about each word and what they mean. Perseverance as defined by, David was not giving up. We talked about how the race marked out for us is marked out by God, or "the race maker," said Gabe. The runner doesn't necessarily get to choose the path, just whether or not they participate.
We talked about hurdles that we need to overcome when running a race that might stop or slow us down. The kids shared ideas like being tired, thirsty, being to busy to train....Shelby kept interjecting with "stomach cramps are a hurdle or being hungry", and reminding me that she was hungry right now.
We also discussed how there is that lovely 'US' in this verse. The 'us' means we are not running alone. We have fellow runners, coaches, and hopefully people that have already crossed the finish line cheering us on. We talked about how much easier it is to run with others. You tend to go further, run harder and stay focused. We also talked about being a cheerleader or coach; encouragement has an energizing effect on a runner.
In our devotional time we have focused on one member of the family each day. We give that person an opportunity to share what 'race' God has them running currently. We have been discussing how to help encourage one another (not criticize) to make their race easier.
Yesterday we studied the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. We read how he didn't like the path he was on and decided to get off and do it his own way. We explored what happened when he did that, what he gave up and what the results were.
Today we are going to read about the rich man who Jesus asked to give all his possessions to the poor and follow him. He couldn't do it. We have some good friends at church who are doing just that! EVERY possession, house, jobs, cars, furniture, EVERYTHING to go and be missionaries half way around the world. They called yesterday and mentioned this story in the Bible and told me they are more sympathetic to the 'rich man' now.
Sometimes the race is hard, other times it is painfully hard!
I was lying in bed this morning staring at the ceiling thinking about my day and all that I had to somehow accomplish. I started to feel panicky and stressed out. I remembered the verse I taught the children and started to ask God to help me persevere. I have peace, it will all get done and what doesn't can wait until tomorrow. Our days are more like marathons anyway!
"Let US run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1
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