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By Rev Don Rivers
We dedicate ourselves to many pursuits. We then find ourselves needing to prioritize them. What pursuit is at the top of our list? Have we abandoned the pursuit of God in order that we may pursue other things; things you can’t take it with you? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Dedication requires our commitment to a certain course, thought or action. If we lose focus on that we run the risk of losing direction in our lives. Have you ever been at a point where you stop and say to yourself, where is this road taking me? At one time or another we all have.
Our tagline at Racing with Jesus Ministries combines two Scriptures that remind us to be dedicated to following Christ.
1 Corinthians 9:24; NLT; Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!
Hebrews 12:1-2a; NLT; Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus…
“Run the race in such a way as to win, throw off everything that hinders and focus on Jesus.”
Do you remember the days when you scheduled a wakeup call in a hotel? Thinking about the purpose of those calls, the thought crossed my mind that we all need them once in a while. We could all use a little kickstart to get us going. When we go astray from the right path, when we forget our priorities, when life overwhelms us; these are situations that distract us from being dedicated to the pursuit of a Godly life.
Discouragement is one of the main factors in losing our way. We try so hard and put forth so much effort only to see things go differently than we planned. On those days we sit back and wonder if it was all worth it?
Think about those race days that never even got started. You never got up to speed. You never got the chance to race. All the time, all the money, all the work, is it really worth it? It is if racing is the passion in your heart. It is if that is what you are dedicated to. It is if this is where you find fulfillment and satisfaction.
Let me throw something else out there for you to consider.
Matthew 6:33; NLT, Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Sometimes we are dedicated to the wrong thing and we fail to realize how things are connected. Sometimes when we dedicate ourselves to the pursuit of things we fail to see that things are temporary. Things rot, rust and are stolen.
Matthew 6:19-21; NLT, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
The fact remains; you can’t take it with you. All the pursuits that we dedicate ourselves to here on Earth will pass away. That is except one. If we dedicate ourselves to the Lord and His will for our lives He promises to provide everything we need.
In racing and life there are no participation trophies. Well, if you count all the bumps and bruises along the road to finding your way, then maybe. Most of us take some time to discover what is really valuable. What is really worth pursuing. What is worth dedicating time and energy to attain. It is then when we look back and lament wasted time. It is said no one looks back on their life and wishes they worked more.
As wedding season comes upon us one of the topics I broach with couples in premarital counseling is the priority of the marriage relationship. This new relationship you are entering is the most significant relationship you will have second only to your relationship with God. You must hold it in the highest regard. You must be dedicated to its success.
How many things in our lives fight for the top spot? We are pulled in so many ways, balance is difficult to achieve. I am sure of one thing, if we are dedicated to having things in the right order, the right priority then our lives will be on stable ground. How do we do that?
Philippians 4:8; NLT; And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Remember those words written in Matthew’s Gospel; Seek God First and he will provide what we need. Don’t lose sight of God’s promise to provide what we need. He created us, He knows what makes us tick and He knows what we need to be satisfied and fulfilled. That includes racing! God knows and has promised to provide. We must first be dedicated to Him.
Sometimes we lose sight of who God really is and the provision He promised. God created this Earth, He created us, He knows what is best for us. I encourage you to take a look at what you have dedicated yourself to and maybe it is time to reprioritize. Maybe it is time to…
Proverbs 3:5-6; NLT; 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You
