“As He was going along the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will have you become fishers of people.”Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.” (Mark 1:17-18 NASB)
In his early years, eight-time Olympics gold medalist in a variety of events, Usain St. Leo Bolt, dubbed as the greatest sprinter of all times, was urged by his high school cricket coach, to focus on track and field. His potential was evidently noticed, but we should note that to earn the nickname “Lightning Bolt,” his preparation for success in running races required development. The development came after the decision.
Mr. Bolt was a shining star, let’s look at another person who should stand out like a bright star throughout life. I’m talking about YOU. One day, urged by the Holy Spirit, you responded to the invitation to focus on following Jesus. You made a decision to accept Jesus as your Savior. Immediately, you started running the Christian race, as you became one of His disciples and I hope what I am about to say is true, immediately you became devoted to becoming better, developing as a disciple of Jesus. Like the renowned sprinter above, your development came after the decision.
But here’s the thing. Your development is not over. You must still seek constant improvement as your run the race, ensuring that you stay God-conscious, and Christ-centered. There is a lot involved. Training is involved. Studying the word of God is involved. Prayer is involved. Performing in accordance to your training is involved. Finding joy in the midst of trial, troubles, and temptation is involved, but you handle it because of the hope you have in the Lord, and the help you have from the Helper. Oh, there is one more thing that definitely involved in your development. You will find out what I am referring to when you get to the verse below.
Friend, you have made the decision, now keep focusing on development. Your “champion crown” awaits you in heaven. I’m believing in you, and I hope you are looking forward to the Lord telling you, “Well done!” Remember, development come after the decision your made to live out the words, “I have decided to follow Jesus.” Run the race my friend! Be blessed!
“As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right side of God’s throne.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 Good News Translation)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King