Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross,despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
 
I think this scripture is a very popular one. We've read it many times, sometimes in a program or in a devotional, accompanied by drawing of runners. Let's take this scripture personally and to heart. 2008 is gone and we will never have another 2008 again. Hopefully '08 was a great year of growth and accomplishment, where we can now look back and recognize God-ordained seasons in our life and we can relish his faithfulness and sovereignty is everything. Now we are being presented with a new year. To us, 2009 is blank like a canvas waiting for a first stroke of paint. It is easy to now think of 2008 and recognize those mistakes we made and also smile about the celebrations, the good decisions and the sweet moments. 2009 is so new and there is so much potential in the 12 months that lay ahead.
I wish to echoe Paul's words in his letter to the Hebrews. Let us push aside everything that distracts us from what God has called us to do. As much as we may find other things to do instead, God's calling remains the longing in our hearts. Let us welcome inconvenient situations, so that we may help people and let Jesus serve through us, the way that He loves to. Through these inconvenient situations and through many trials, we gain the endurance we need to continue strong in obeying God's call on our lives. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus and adore Him more than life itself. Jesus must become our everything. Our lives must become hidden with Christ, so that we see only Him and He can do whatever He pleases with our little lives. Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. Our Father and His kingdom is the joy set before us. We become upset and discouraged too easily. We must delight that God would choose to save us and adopt us from the world, as His children. Even when everything else seems to be a mess, we can rest in the assurance that we are forgiven and saved from eternal damnation. Let us not grow tired, weary, lazy; let us keep running with the joy of Jesus and the life-longing to serve Him, serve Him, serve Him. 2009 a new year, that is ours for the taking. Let us run.

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