Friday, October 12, 2012

Five Minute Friday/Race

We are to run this race set before us with patience, keeping our eyes upon Jesus. Will it always be easy? Of course not, no race is easy. There will be many stumbling blocks along the way, many dark valley places to get through. But, do not give up my friends, keep going. Did Jesus give up? No, He carried the cross upon His back, up that long hill, and was then placed upon that same cross, hung to die, for us. But, He never complained, not once. What right do we have to complain?? When I had my stroke, I could have complained, got angry, and chose to quit this race. No way my friends. Jesus saved my life, brought me back from the edge of death. Yes, my life is very different now, but, I am still here. I may not be able to run this race as fast as I use to, but, that does not matter. This race is not about speed, it is about faith, and endurance. I refuse to give this race up, I will not quit. On those days when I am so weary, and my legs tremble with pain, I will just lay my body down upon the path I am on, and wait for His amazing grace to pick me up, and allow me to continue the race.

41 comments:

a soulful life said...

This is such an inspiring post! You are right, the race is not about speed but endurance! Have a lovely weekend :)

Anonymous said...

May God bless you, Denise.

enthusiastically, dawn said...

Finally following you, Denise. Catching up on some of your posts. Beautiful post today! Encouraging words. I also read that your husband will be going with you to church. I think that will be this week? Well, praying that it is a healing, precious time for you both and continues. May your heart feel happy and not heavy. Thank you, Jesus!Have a wonderful weekend.

Anonymous said...

blessings friend denise..

Sally Ann said...

Good Morning my friend...Endurance, crowned with Glory!!!

Outside the Box Mom said...

I admire your perspective and persistence. May He always be with you and strengthen you.

Raki

rcubes said...

He knows your heart sis and that's why you are here... Oh how you encourage us with your journey!!! God bless and protect you always...

Martha said...

Amen. I m encouraged by your posting today .
God bless,praying for you.

Parsley said...

Keep fighting the good fight and leaning on the Lord.

Unknown said...

Beautiful!!

Anonymous said...

sorry to hear about your stroke...but what a blessing to hear how you let God redeem these hard times. yes..the “prize’ doesn’t go to the fastest and strongest...but He looks for the faithful...even in the smallest of ways. blessings to you~

Katina said...

Yep! you are still here and I am so gld I had the chance to read your post today!

dayebydaye said...

Ah, what a sweet reminder- to fix our eyes on Jesus! He is so honored in your words today!

Leaon Mary said...

What ENCOURAGEMENT today!
Oh Denise you are so right. It's not about speed... but endurance to keep our eyes on Him and run the race before us. xoxo

Paula Barnett said...

I love hearing the peace that you have found in each moment of time, Denise. I love hearing how you allow God's Presence to be your sufficiency! I know you are upheld in this strength that comes from Him alone. What a wonderful example you are to all of us. Thank you for the gift that you are!

Anonymous said...

love that last sentence! have an awesome day in the Lord!

kimberly

Eileen said...

"This race is not about speed, it is about faith, and endurance." Beautiful thoughts, Denise

Wanda's Wings said...

We can all rest at the finishing line.

Unknown said...

Lovely!!!

Dolly@Soulstops said...

Dear Denise,

Wow...you have lived out your endurance and faith inRL...inspiring...thanks for all of the encouragement...blessings :)

Dolly@Soulstops said...

Dear Denise,

I hope this isn't duplicating bc I can't find my comment...Thank you so much for modeling faithfulness and perseverance despite having pain and a stroke...sorry...Nice to finally find your blog...blessings :)

Anonymous said...

oh that is just so inspirational and well written. I had to read it three times.WOW! Thank you. Have a great weekend.

Jessica said...

That's an admirable attitude.

Cathy said...

Such a precious post, Dear ~ I love you.

Stacy said...

Beautiful post and a great reminder that this race has nothing to do with speed (a fact I'm particularly grateful for as I'm hobbling on an injured foot, which will serve to help me remember to pray for you as you live a new post-stroke reality). Blessings to you!

karen said...

Denise,
Thank you so such a wonderful reminder that His grace is ufficient to carry us...remain strengthened in Him:)

Marytoo said...

What a beautiful sentiment.

Lori said...

Wow! That is beautiful and so very inspiring! God Bless you as you press on to win the prize!

Sara said...

When I get tired and weary I remind myself of the race Jesus ran for us it makes my troubles seem grains of sand.

Laurie Collett said...

You are a great inspiration, Denise! You run the race with determination and faith, keeping your eyes fixed on the Prize.
God bless you,
Laurie

Audra Silva said...

Wonderful encouragement and rally cry! Loved this inspirational post, Denise.

Jenni said...

I especially like that last sentence. So powerful. Thanks for sharing!

Rebekah@weliveinspired said...

Hi Denise. Visiting you back from FMF. Thank you for stopping by to comment on my blog the past couple weeks. This was a good encouraging post. Many of us deal with our own sufferings and sometimes it can be hard to keep on keeping on for sure! It is awesome that you are keeping the faith no matter what and I pray that you continue to be blessed and get through the changes life brought you in a glorious way :) Blessings upon you, I know it must be difficult.

joy said...

Another inspirational post! Bless you dear sister:)

BARBIE said...

Stopping by from the 5MF. I am so thankful you haven't stopped the race!

Sandra Heska King said...

Resting in His grace while we run the race. Thank you for the inspiration and encouragement.

Unknown said...

Just so beautiful and inspiring! Thank you for your witness and testimony to truth and grace.

Jacquie said...

Hi Denise! Thanks for visiting & commenting on my blog yesterday! I too loved the phrase you wrote about how it's not about speed, but endurance - so true. I pray for strength and might to flood your inner man through the power of the Holy Spirit today!

Tobi said...

Ah, "lay my body down...His grace to pick me up" Yes, friend, every day a greater awareness of complete dependence on Christ. How precious to release all to Him. Thank you for the beauty of this. And for visiting me from FMF. Blessings Sweet.

Julie on an adventure said...

Thanks for sharing..thank you for the truth and beautiful words in the post!

Vicki said...

Thank you so much for sharing. Your post is beautiful and inspiring. Bless you!