“Do you see what this means – all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running – and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it.” (Hebrews 12:1-2a MSG)
In track there are the low hurdles and the high hurdles. Truthfully, the low hurdles are high in the minds of some. I am not a track coach, but I would imagine that those who become successful in handling the high hurdles had to go through a few things, learn some techniques, and be motivated when they were about to give up on overcoming the hurdles.
I am sure they had to go through some development. Their success was enhanced by good coaching. Encouragement was given by the good coach. Looking at others who had achieved success with the high hurdles was probably motivational. Managing one’s steps and balancing the shifting of feet from left to right was something that one had to learn to master. The right approach came with time.
At first hurdles were knocked down instead of being jumped over. But I am assuming that the successful hurdler did not give up. Again, I am not a track coach, but I am guessing that the successful hurdler was persistent and did not give ever stop trying to get better.
Not being overcome by the height of the hurdle and just looking at it as part of a run that starts when one comes off the block was probably learned for most hurdlers. The next time you go to a track meet or watch one on TV, look at the hurdling event through a spiritual development prism, for at one time or the other, and probably time after time, you will face some high hurdles in life. Be encouraged! You can be successful in handling the high hurdles of life. Why not? God is on your side!
He will teach you some techniques, through His word. He will motivate you with the voice of His Spirit! Oh, God will give you some good coaching. I have no doubt about that whatsoever! He will show you how to lean, not leaving you to your own understanding. He will always be available to help you approach your high hurdles with success.
When you knock over a hurdle, He will clean you up and help you to run on! God will order your steps! If you don’t show up for practice to receive instruction when the team, the saints assemble together, He will let you know that you should have come to practice. By the way, you are going today aren’t you? Don’t miss practice!
If your hurdle appears to high, stop looking at the hurdle and run, fixing your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith. You will make it! Go through this new week with determination, with persistence, and with perseverance. “The Coach” will be right there with you! And when you conquer the high hurdle, whatever it may be in your life, lift your hands toward heaven with a genuine gesture, indicating that you know where your help came from. Handle those high hurdles my friend! God is on your side! How great is our God! You can do it! Join those who proclaim the words in our closing verse every time you handle those high hurdles! Be blessed!
“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side…” (Psalm 124:1 KJV)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King