***We were asked to write a blog on our expectations going into the race. Over months of reflection, here are mine.***
I expect little things like, perhaps bettering my cooking skills,(hopefully picking up on how to make some local dishes here and there!), picking up a few new words in the local language, and becoming faster at typing through all the blogs I’ll be posting, but more importantly, however,
I expect:
To be persecuted.
“In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2Tim 3:12 )
To suffer.
“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,” (Phil 1:29)
To work as a team.
“then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and in purpose.”
(Phil 2:2)
To fight.
“Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
(1 Tim 6: 12)
To persevere.
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.“
(Heb. 12:1)
To raise a harvest of righteousness.
“Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”
(James 3:18)
To practice *true* religion.
“Religion that God our father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
(James 1:27)
To receive discipline through hardship:
“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?”
(Heb. 12:7)
To “Take hold of the life that is truly life“
(17) “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. (18) Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. (19) In this way they will store up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
(1 Tim 13-17)
