You and I live in a fallen creation that is no longer perfect and not even good. Sin and death have entered creation. Everyone is born in the likeness of Adam with a sin nature. Now we are experiencing a worldwide pandemic of coronavirus.

In the 10^th century B.C. David wrote these words of encouragement

Psalm 27:¹³ I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. ¹⁴Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Goodness =moral excellence, kindness, generosity

Wait =to continue as one in expectation

Courage =the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear

Strengthen =to give strength to; to make stronger

What do his words matter to you?

Remember Who God is

LORD = Jehovah, the I AM, the Covenant Keeper

Remember what God has done
John 3:¹⁶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  ¹⁷For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. ¹⁸He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Ask God to show you His goodness

Ask God for strength to wait on Him

Do you know this song? Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

What a fellowship, what a joy divine
Leaning on the everlasting arms
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine
Leaning on the everlasting arms

Leaning (on Jesus), leaning (on Jesus)
Safe and secure from all alarms
Leaning (on Jesus), leaning (on Jesus)
Leaning on the everlasting arms

O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way

Leaning on the everlasting arms

O how bright my path grows from day to day

Leaning on the everlasting arms

What have I to dread, what have I to fear
Leaning on the everlasting arms?
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near
Leaning on the everlasting arms

Leaning (on Jesus), leaning (on Jesus)
Safe and secure from all alarms
Leaning (on Jesus), leaning (on Jesus)
Leaning on the everlasting arms

Our focus = Hebrews 12:¹Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, ² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Our challenge = Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you, has uniquely designed and created only one you, has a good  plan for your life, runs with you and will accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti