As I awoke this morning, feeling the pains of a very rough work week, my body is physically hurting. I was thinking of how I still have two more long rough days ahead, and what I needed to do to accomplish the tasks at hand. I needed physical energy and probably some Aleve pain meds too. It hit me the similarities of our lives and duty as disciples of Christ, and the energy and meds that we receive from Him. What I receive our here early every morning is much more than I can convey in these devotions. I can never accurately pen what He provides me in this labor of love. It gives me the energy to run that eternal race and press on towards that goal that lies ahead, to share what He has done for me, and can do for you.

Energy for the race

John 6:27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”

Tired. Physically exhausted, mentally drained, the labor which drags us down as we seek to work and provide for our families and ourselves. And yes the older we get, the harder it gets. But we continue to press on, pushing ourselves for the tasks at hand, to obtain whatever goal lies before us, to reach the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. It may be at work or at play, but we press on towards that goal, of achievement and success.

The ultimate goal of eternal life is obtained simply through grace alone (Ephesians 2:8), but the burden that becomes placed on your heart is the desire to share what you possess with others. That is the “works” that Christ places in you, and does through you. As in preparation for that work that lies ahead, you must feed yourself on that spiritual food that prayer and time in His Word bring. These provide the energy to run the race that is set before you. This food is not obtained on Sundays only, but requires daily nourishment in time consecrated to Him. Take the time to feed your soul, along with your body every morning. You will find a strength you never knew you possessed, and an energy to face the day no matter how daunting the worldly tasks that may lie ahead.