
I appreciate goals. I’m not the type of person to simply hang up my hat. (‘Er cap.) I need that thinking cap! Settling down isn’t likely going to happen. So I keep setting goals both physically and spiritually.
When I feel as if I’m not getting anywhere, life becomes frustrating. I need more patience. If I look back at the wrong things I begin to stumble. I take my eyes off the goal. Remembering the struggles of the past can slow me down and trip me up.

Therefore, we must set our sights ahead of us, keeping our eyes on the end result. Whether that goal is physical or spiritual, focus and self-discipline will help us to win that prize.
So we run the race with perseverance and determination, even making our bodies slaves for the sake of those things we desire.

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
The words above are the apostle Paul’s words to the Corinthian church. Paul not only desired to win souls for Christ, but he also desired to know Christ. Therefore he made Himself a slave for the sake of the Lord.
Imagine any person that you’ve ever desired to know deeply and intimately. We can draw close to Jesus and have that close connection with Him as well. We can achieve this goal not only through reading Scripture, praise and worship, but also by actively living out our faith in Him. All goals take a bit of a beating to the body, but the end result is worth becoming slaves for the sake of all that we love and desire.

With Love
—Tina
Life is definitely a marathon, but God continues to light up faith and perseverance. Tina, may the grace and peace of the Lord shed more light on your goals.
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Thank you Richard. God Bless.
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Thank you very much for sharing the blessed post .Take care.πΉππ
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You take care too Francis. β€
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Thank you very much.πΉπ
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So true! One of my goals every year is to draw closer to Jesus. But I know He is always available. So if there are any barriers, they are on my side. I need to keep running and persevere to draw closer to Him. Thanks for this reminder. Blessings, my friend. β€οΈ
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Blessings Back at ya, Bridget. β€
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I so agree with Bridget here.
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Beautiful words. Yes faith is so like running and exercise. So much dedication, hard work, often frustration, self doubt, pain, patience required. But the end goal is so worth it. Itβs also so easy to forget the fun and highs you experience on the journey. Long may you Get Up and run free. β€οΈ
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Thanks Superdad. β€
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Amen, Tina! As always, very relatable and such a perfect encouragement for where I am at! Blessings, dear friend! β€
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Thanks Marisa! Blessings β€
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Let us with perseverance run the race laid out for us, getting rid of the baggage that is holding us back. Blessings, Tina! π¦ππΌπΊ
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Amen. Blessing to you as well Jeanne! βΊ
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It is a marathon for us living the Christian life. Sometimes we seem to make great strides. Sometimes it is step by step. Sometimes we feel like we are only crawling. But if we keep our eyes on Jesus and let him empower us. the journey can take us to places we never thought possible.
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Thanks dad. Those are very encouraging words. Yes, faith is hills and valleys. The pace definitely changes and some stretches feel as if the terrain is so very difficult, but God sustains us and we have hope for what is up ahead.
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Such an important message…love what you write to go along with those verses. Perseverance is such a good word in this because it reminds us that it might be tough but we can take encouragement and push through because of Him!!
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Reaching goals is always a great feeling. May we keep running the race by faith. Thanks Tina!
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Amen. Thanks Dawn!
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