I am: not a quitter
Posted by Jeku | Posted in bible , Quitter , race | Posted on 4/04/2010 11:57:00 PM
"Winners never quit. Quitters never win." - Vince Lombardi
I'm finally feeling better! I started off slow last week getting back into my workout schedule by only doing running 10 miles. Hopefully I can keep bumping it up every week. My body is still adjusting from sick-mode to super-physically-active-mode.
Running gives me a chance to let go, clear my mind, or consolidate my thoughts. As I was running last week, I wanted to stop. My breathing was irregular, my legs were feeling heavy, and the sun was just beating down with no mercy in sight. Several times, I did stop. Each time I did I got mad at myself. Then I justified my stopping by telling myself you're just getting back into it, take it slow.
By the end of the week I was feeling better and went out for a long 4-5 mile run. I made it my goal to not stop, but to keep going. If it hurts, just push on through; tough it out. Alas, I didn't reach my goal and had to stop a couple of times. I got my self hyped up again to keep going even thought I stopped. I kept telling myself cheesy motivational quotes and phrases.
I finally finished my run. I was sore and tired after working a 12 hour night shift prior to running. But I had finished.
Giving into sin is like stopping during a run. It distracts us from our goal, from completing the race. It can bring us down, create doubtful thoughts about our salvation, and turn us away from the Father. This is true with sins that we struggle with. The temptation to commit that favorite sin lurks around us waiting for the right moment to present itself. It's saying, just this once, it feels good, you deserve this, no one is watching, God forgave you last time, etc.
You may be in the same boat as me struggling with a particular favorite sin or sins, but don't lose hope. Remember Jesus already won the battle of Calvary when He paid for our sins with his blood. Confess your sin to God, repent, continue to read God's word, pray, and seek counsel in a trusted accountability partner. Do all this with a violent righteous manner. Get fierce in conquering your sin! Don't give Satan a foothold (Ephesians 4:27). Get back up in the race. Finish strong.
When you get back up, remember to keep going with the full armor of God.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,"
Ephesians 6:10-18
Fight on my brothers and sisters. I'm struggling with you, but I'm not quitting.
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