Run Forrest Run

Twitter: @TheCollective__ 
Speaker: Gerry
May 11, 2012 

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." --Hebrews 12:1-3

Forrest had braces on his legs, he struggled when he first started running, but then his braces just broke off and he kept running as fast as he could.

1. Drop some weight.

Remove whatever is bringing you down.
If you allow temptation in your life, you will feel weight in your spiritual life. When you run you won't run as fast as you should be.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." --Matthew 11:28

"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,  they will walk and not be faint. " --Isaiah 40:30-31

When we run towards God we are asking Him to help us through it. And after that we have to continue to chase after Him, only then will you live life to the fullest.
If you don't deal with it now, you'll have to deal with it later.

2. Cut the triggers off.

If lust is a temptation you struggle with cut off any access to it... If you pull the trigger the bullet will come back to you.
Don't idolize people, things, or anything that isn't God. We need to constantly run after God and nothing else.
Don't step into the ring - the ring is temptation - run away from it, let God fight your battles for you.
Story: Joseph. Read it here: Genesis 37:11-36

"Do not be deceived. God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows."--Galatians 6:7

The reward out ways the cost to do what is right.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." --Philippians 4:19

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."--1 Corinthians 10:13

3. Don't forfeit your race for anyone/anything.

Persevere; keep running. 

"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." --1 Corithians 9:24

4. Cross the finish line.

Finish what you started. Grace is empowerment.

Final thought: God is saying to you, "Run _insert your name here_, run! Run to Me! I will give you rest! I will give you strength!" Do it.