You and I live in a fallen creation that is no longer perfect and not even good. Sin and death have entered our world. Everyone is born with a sinful, rebellious nature. The virus pandemic has increased our sorrows with economic problems, school remote learning, social distancing and mask requirements, loss of jobs and loss of some loved ones. Jesus has given at least two promises to all those receive Him as Savior and Lord.

In the year 57 A.D., Paul shared this promises with the church in Corinth

2 Corinthians 12:⁷ And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. ⁸For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. ⁹And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Grace = God giving us what we do not deserve

Sufficient = adequate for the purpose, enough

Strength = the quality or state of being strong, effective force

Perfect = excellent or complete beyond practical or theoretical improvement:

Weakness = lack of strength, firmness, vigor, or the like; feebleness.

What do these words tell you about Jesus?

What does His promise matter to you?

In the year 68 A.D. an unknown writer shared this promise to the Hebrews

Hebrews 13:⁵ Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. ⁶So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Never = not ever, at no time

Leave = to depart from permanently 

Forsake = abandon, desert, renounce

Helper = person who gives assistance or support

What do these words tell you about Jesus?

What does His promise matter to you?

Our focus – Hebrews 12:¹ Wherefore 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 ³ For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Our challenge –

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; 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 being yoked to Emmanuel!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!

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 together you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!