Speaking

Running the Race by Guest Reader, Dawn Freeman

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Hannah Conway

Welcome, Dear Readers. This year I’ve set out to get to know you better, hear your story, your lessons learned, trials, triumphs, recipes, and fun projects. I want to hear what you have to say, and so do a whole host of others.

Today we welcome our first Guest Reader of 2015, Ms. Dawn Freeman! Thank you for being here with us today.

Meet Dawn:

Dawn Freeman is a writer, blogger, speaker, and Bible teacher.  She is currently pursuing a Master’s of Arts in Christian Ministry through Liberty University.  She has a heart and passion for God and His word.  Dawn desires to help other believers to come to know God and love Him with all their hearts, soul, and strength.  She also wants to help them become the Godly people He has created them to be for His purpose and plan. 

 

Running the Race

By Dawn Freeman
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”  (Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV)
As I was recently driving back from a women’s Bible study at a friend’s house, I received a great visual image of the lesson we had studied earlier that night.  First of all, I had to duck out a little early in order to be somewhere else in plenty of time.  However, it worked out well for me.  I may not have received this visual image from the Lord if I had stayed for the entire Bible study.  Or, I may not have seen it the same way. 
Earlier, several ladies and I sat around a friend’s living area and discussed running our individual races.  We talked about the joy set before us as well as enduring hardships, trials, and other difficult circumstances.  We briefly mentioned the hindrances, distractions, and interruptions which are a part of this life. 
Later, as I was driving down the highway, I was focused on getting down the road as quickly as possible.  I had to stop by a retail store to pick up an item before the store closed for the night.  There were many other vehicles on the road.  Drivers pulling out in front of me.  Others switching lanes.  Some turning off the road onto another road.  I could see some vehicles in my peripheral view.  Others, I couldn’t see at all because they were either behind me or way out in front of me.  I wasn’t concerned about them though.  I was so focused on the path that was laid out before me.  I didn’t have the desire or the time to look at what everyone else was doing on their paths.  I didn’t necessarily care what others were doing on their part of the road either. 
That’s what we also need to do in our spiritual lives.  Be so focused on running our individual races that we don’t have the desire or the time to look at what others are doing on their individual paths.  We almost need to have tunnel vision where we don’t see anyone beside us, anyone behind us, or anyone else out in front of us.  We only see Jesus.  He’s the only one we see right in front of us.  We only hear what He wants us to hear.  We only see what He wants us to see.  We only say what He wants us to say to us or through us.

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