There is a sense of belonging when we are able to connect our life with others. The fear of being alone and the feelings of uniqueness within life’s challenges, seem to dissipate, when we are able to see ourselves as a part of a larger company, or as our opening scripture coins it, “Surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses…” Welcome to the road of life AGAIN!
For many of us this road has been full of obstacles and challenges. There have been detours and road blocks that we have encountered. Yet, we have somehow managed to keep pushing forward. Even when it seemed like you were barely moving, you have inched your way a little closer to the goal. I am reminded of the story of the Little Engine that Could. That little engine was not as large or as powerful as the big engine but it had something that was equally valuable and that was determination. I think I can, I think I can…that little engine kept telling its self and no matter how steep the climb and how daunting the task at hand appeared, the encouragement that it offered to its self was what kept it alive and energized. Yes, sometimes we have to encourage ourselves and be built up in our most holy faith. “I can do all things thru Christ that strengthens me.” “I am more than a conquer…!”
This incoming school year I am starting school again for the first time in sixteen years! OMG…how time flies! I will be doing graduate studies with in the Divinity School of Wake Forest University working toward earning my Masters in Divinity in 2013! The task ahead is not easy. It is riddled with a lot of reading, writing, thinking, and long nights! But as I look around at all those that have gone ahead of me and made it, I am encouraged that I can as well. I am not launching out into unchartered waters, I am simply joining many other men and women that believed they could, showed up, and got on the path of a life lived in faith. During the fall semester I will be taking: New Testament 1, Introduction to Pastoral Counseling, History of Christianity 1, and a very interesting course entitled Martin, Malcolm, and Masculinity.
Fear is for many the number one “sin” that prevents our growth. So the text tells us to, “Strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress.” We have to identify the areas within us where we feel a tendency to fear and tell yourself, “I think I can!” To experience Bigger then you have to first, Think Bigger and then See Bigger. You have to see yourself writing the paper, having read the book, walking across that stage at graduation, signing that contract, driving that car, in that healthy relationship, and on and on. If you want more from your life then you have to become aware of that fact, willing to do something about it and then DO IT!
So here we are young and old…On the Road Again! No matter how long you may feel that you have been on the sidelines of your life or have allowed fear to stand in the way of your personal growth and progress here is the opportunity to get back on the track. The last line in the text said, “And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.” Endurance simply means; the ability to withstand hardship or adversity; especially: the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity. The good news here is that God is fully aware that it is not easy but you must become just as aware that you are positioned to make it! You can do this. “As a man/woman thinks in his/her heart so is he/her.” You are on this road of life that has been set before you by God and have been given every tool and piece of equipment that you need to be victorious. So let’s suit up, show up and be about our saviors business. There’s so much more God has in store for you! Just think what is to be gained ONCE you have come through this!
I speak life into you my sisters and brothers. I know that you can and will make it! Now, is the time for us to bring into manifestation the greatness that God is calling us to. The witnesses at CHSF is standing on the sidelines of your life cheering you on, passing out bottles of water and most importantly covering you in prayer!
God bless you and heaven smile upon you,
Pastor Roger E. Hayes |
