Exercise Your Faith

 

Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

—Hebrews 12:1b-2a (NKJV)

 

 

Don't worry about problems that come up each day. Recognize each one as an opportunity to allow the Holy Spirit to lead and empower you. When you concentrate on your hardship, you rely on your strength and can’t see how the Holy Spirit can lead you to overcome it. When you rely on God’s strength, He directs and empowers you. Those problems—those hurdles you face—become an opportunity to exercise your faith.

 

You can only run this race of life with endurance if God is your strength, and He can’t be your strength if you don’t exercise the faith Christ has given you. He is the author of your faith, and He is the finisher of your faith. When you were saved, you were born again by the Holy Spirit. You received the finished work of Christ in your spirit. You became one with God in Christ. The fullness of God came to live in you. Your mind and heart are where you believe and trust your new life in Christ. However, to live this new life, the Holy Spirit must transform you until your life conforms to the new identity you have received. 

 

Each issue you will face is an opportunity to exercise the faith you have received. Your problem is something that the finished work of Christ has overcome. Don't dwell on what might be or what might happen. Keep your eyes on Jesus and run the race of this life with the authority He has given you. The Holy Spirit builds your confidence in God’s truth as you exercise your faith. Problems won’t defeat you. Each issue in your life is an opportunity to rely on His power to overcome it. When you believe the truth of your right standing in Christ and when you exercise the authority He has given you, problems won’t defeat you. You will see them as conquered and hear the Holy Spirit guiding you to bring about His promised outcome.

 

Exercising your faith invites the power of His peace. His peace flies above hurdles in life. It’s free of despair and full of the promises of God. His peace overcomes obstacles of which you have not even been aware. What obstacles do you know? He brings a resolution that is perfect and lasting.

 

You are going to run the race of life. You can either run as a defeated victim or an overcoming victor. Keep your eyes on Jesus and allow Him to guide and empower each step! He has already won the race for you at Calvary! When you believe your race is already won, doubt is more easily conquered. You trust that the Lord will carry you safely to the end of your race. Your life flows in the strength and the power of His grace.

 

Christ birthed your faith, but He also finished it in you. Faith without works is dead. Your work is to believe what you have received and to respond to it by faith. Running a finished race guarantees the end. But it is your choice to deny your weakness and run your race in His power and authority.

 

Reach beyond yourself, beyond your human inclinations and limitations. Believe His finished work has changed your life and fly over those hurdles. Exercise your new life by faith. It is the choice that carries you successfully to the end.

 

 

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