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Is the Christian LIfe a Marathon or a Sprint? -EP.253
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
Why do we struggle so much to consistently live the Christian life? It seems to be either a constant struggle or a sporadic sprint with long periods of stagnancy in between. Is this all there is? That is the question we address today.
Welcome to Run with Horses. My name in Norman and my goal is to help you Thrive as a follower of Jesus. None of us live life perfectly, but if Jesus is at the center of our relationships, we definitely live life better. I don't think life has to be a drudgery or a mad dash. God is the God of patience and joy. If we delight in Him the slow times are sweeter and the periods of busyness are under His control. The question is, How do we live out a life that is devoted to Him and still move forward with day to day responsibilities to our family and community.
Three challenges we face.
1. Slow progress - we get discouraged when we don't see progress as quickly as we had hoped. Lasting change often takes time.
Impatience can cause us to try to ourun God'd work in our lives.
2.Life changes constantly - our situation is always shifting, forcing us to figure out new ways to fit in the needs of the day. Spiritual concerns are often moved aside for what feels more urgent right now.
Example: move to USA to care for Grandma
3. We often do have other pressing priorities - most of us do have things that are important that require our time and energy. It can be difficult to navigate a life that can feel overwhelming.
Finances, health concerns, relationships all give us headaches.
4. Some face opposition from their family and friends - if those around you don't share your priorities, you may be criticized for your choices.
So what do we do? How do you handle the challenges of life?
Keep the focus on growing. Your spiritual journey will take a lifetime. Commit to the long haul and do what it takes to bear fruit. Spiritual fruit will take you through any trouble.
Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
1. Don’t worry about going slow. Keep putting consistent effort into your spiritual life and you will see progress over time.
2. Learn to embrace the challenge that changes bring. You have more opportunities to grow though challenge than you do through the smooth times. Look for the lesson.
Galatians 6:7Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
3. Don’t forget your WHY. You will always have tests that force you to consider what is really important. Remember that the struggle is worth it. Jesus is working to make you like Him. The struggle is the way that He grows you. In the midst of the the trial, you have the opportunity to join His church in carrying out an eternal work. Keep an eternal perspective.
4. Remember that you are never alone. Even when the people around you don’t understand why you choose Jesus. He is always with you and will walk with you through your darkest night.
Thanks for joining me today. Let me know how you are doing at staying focused and motivated to keep on keeping on when it is difficult. Write me at [email protected] with your story. It may not be easy but following Jesus has eternal value. Keep running!
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By Norman Smith
5
22 ratings
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
Why do we struggle so much to consistently live the Christian life? It seems to be either a constant struggle or a sporadic sprint with long periods of stagnancy in between. Is this all there is? That is the question we address today.
Welcome to Run with Horses. My name in Norman and my goal is to help you Thrive as a follower of Jesus. None of us live life perfectly, but if Jesus is at the center of our relationships, we definitely live life better. I don't think life has to be a drudgery or a mad dash. God is the God of patience and joy. If we delight in Him the slow times are sweeter and the periods of busyness are under His control. The question is, How do we live out a life that is devoted to Him and still move forward with day to day responsibilities to our family and community.
Three challenges we face.
1. Slow progress - we get discouraged when we don't see progress as quickly as we had hoped. Lasting change often takes time.
Impatience can cause us to try to ourun God'd work in our lives.
2.Life changes constantly - our situation is always shifting, forcing us to figure out new ways to fit in the needs of the day. Spiritual concerns are often moved aside for what feels more urgent right now.
Example: move to USA to care for Grandma
3. We often do have other pressing priorities - most of us do have things that are important that require our time and energy. It can be difficult to navigate a life that can feel overwhelming.
Finances, health concerns, relationships all give us headaches.
4. Some face opposition from their family and friends - if those around you don't share your priorities, you may be criticized for your choices.
So what do we do? How do you handle the challenges of life?
Keep the focus on growing. Your spiritual journey will take a lifetime. Commit to the long haul and do what it takes to bear fruit. Spiritual fruit will take you through any trouble.
Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
1. Don’t worry about going slow. Keep putting consistent effort into your spiritual life and you will see progress over time.
2. Learn to embrace the challenge that changes bring. You have more opportunities to grow though challenge than you do through the smooth times. Look for the lesson.
Galatians 6:7Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
3. Don’t forget your WHY. You will always have tests that force you to consider what is really important. Remember that the struggle is worth it. Jesus is working to make you like Him. The struggle is the way that He grows you. In the midst of the the trial, you have the opportunity to join His church in carrying out an eternal work. Keep an eternal perspective.
4. Remember that you are never alone. Even when the people around you don’t understand why you choose Jesus. He is always with you and will walk with you through your darkest night.
Thanks for joining me today. Let me know how you are doing at staying focused and motivated to keep on keeping on when it is difficult. Write me at [email protected] with your story. It may not be easy but following Jesus has eternal value. Keep running!
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