jordan muck

I have been studying Hebrews 12 recently  for a study I am doing with a group of high school students.  I have been using the illustration of a race as an example of how we are to live our lives as Christians.

Here is part 3 of that study.

Step 3: Remember Your Training

One question that always enters my mind right before I run a race is, “Have I trained properly for this event?”.  I’m at the starting line waiting.  I’m waiting for the gun to go off.  I’m focused on the goal and yet for a split second, I question if my training was enough.

We all do it.

In the letter of Hebrews, the readers had forgotten the training that already been through.  They needed some encouragement and reassurance that they were ready to run the race.  They needed to hear that they had trained and were prepared to go out and “do it”.

In the Christian life, the training comes in the form of discipline from the Lord.  Discipline is not always an easy thing to accept but we know that we cannot despise the Lord’s discipline or resent his rebuke.  The Lord disciplines those he loves.

Often times in the race of life we get upset when things don’t go our way.  We complain when we think God hasn’t “answered our prayers”.  However, we must remember that in all circumstances of life (even the hard ones) God’s ultimate desire is to see us grow and mature through the circumstance so our faith in Him can continue to solidify.  We must refuse to look for ways to get out of the rough spots.  We must refuse to have a negative attitude.  God is working all things for His glory.  His discipline in our lives is our evidence of His loves for us.

Don’t forget that.

Just like the writer says, “In the moment, discipline seems painful… but later it yields fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it”.

While standing at the starting line with your feet in the blocks, if you get to the point where your questioning your training, remember the moments of hardship you faced previously in life and how God Himself has personally trained you for this event.  Through Christ and Him alone, you are ready to run.

Just do it!

Last part coming up!

-jordan