Power of the Race

          

Key Scripture:  “We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.  Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.”  2 Corinthians 10: 4,5, The Message

Power Point:

When I was young I had a horse. Her name was Jinx. (I did not name her).  Usually she had the run of the farm and it was very hard to convince her to let me take a ride. When I finally caught up with her I would attempt to put on her bridle and saddle up so I could ride. Occasionally she would allow that.  I need to tell you that quite honestly, I didn’t know the first thing about horses so even when I was on her back, she was still pretty much in charge. I definitely could have used a trainer.

Recently the Lord showed me a picture of a horse at the starting gate. The horse is SOOOOOOOO ready to run but the rider is keeping a tight grasp on the reins. Aren’t we like that with God?  Don’t we saddle up and get ready to run the race sitting on top of all that dynamite power and then we hold on so tightly to the reins that we never leave the gate? Holy Spirit is ready to run but our thoughts, our fears; our “ifs” hold all that power back.

I remember seeing the movie “Secretariat” and I was so amazed at his passion to run and his endurance. His journey to greatness began when Penny Tweedy bought him. Penny believed in him. She got the best possible trainer and handler and against all odds she moved that horse out of the stable and on to the racetrack where he was born to run. Everyone, including her husband thought she was crazy. I love the last scene in the movie where he runs for the third race in the Triple Crown. He goes so fast that no one can keep up and no other horse has ever accomplished what he d id that day. In an interview the director of the movie made the most amazing comment. He said that he was so inspired by the story-that “It was as if God had whispered in Secretariat’s ear and said, “Go!” and he went.” His next comment took my breath away. He said, “A championship heart is a normal heart until it hears and responds to the call of a miracle.”

That horse in my vision will never make it out of the gate unless it allows the old patterns of fear, and doubt and failure to be harnessed and he trusts his race to the wisdom of his trainer.

We are all in the race of our lives. Jesus has made each of us a “winner”.  He calls us “more than conquerors.”  He believes in you.  Do you trust Him to take the reins?  Do you believe that He knows how to run the race? Remember, all it takes is a normal heart that hears His voice and responds to His call for a miracle.

Riders UP!

Power Thought:

Is God whispering in your ear?  GO!

This is the scene. Break out the tissues! http://youtu.be/pNeajtcNwJ0