I’ve been going to church since before I was born.
Let me explain. My mom was pregnant with me when she accepted Jesus as her Savior, and as she started her journey with Jesus she raised me in the church. These were my “glory days” of ministry; the church was exciting and new. It didn’t matter the day of the week – I just wanted to help. I grew up lending a hand in the nursery, assisting with drama, and volunteering in Vacation Bible School. I loved it so much that I interned at my home church.
Life is different nowadays. I still give to my church, but it looks different as a wife, mom of four, a homeschooler, and a homemaker. I need to be intentional with my time with God. I can’t just go to the church and blast worship music through the sanctuary like the old days. My schedule can complicate things, but God is patient and has taught me to be more deliberate with my time so that I can work on my relationship with Him.
The Bible says, “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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he 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 sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” -Hebrews 12:1-3
How does this verse apply to an intentional walk with God?
I’m so glad you asked!
Our eyes need to be fixed on Jesus in order to persevere and run our race well. We can’t lose heart! Busyness may wear us, but we cannot let it cloud our sight. Here are a few “training” tips that have helped me run the race better:
- Spend time daily with God. Be specific with the ‘when’. You can read the Bible, listen to worship music, journal, etc. For me, I’ve found it best to slip into His presence right after breakfast. For you, it may be before bed. It doesn’t matter as long as you’re doing it. He is calling us to spend time with Him, so let’s answer His call. “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” -Hebrews 4:16
- Pray without ceasing. At the heart of prayer, it’s about acknowledging God in your life and talking to Him about it. It doesn’t have to be a long drawn out thing. You can pray throughout the day for 30 seconds at a time or for hours on end. He’s not keeping tally and you shouldn’t either. Just talk to Him and you will discover His rest in your busyness. “…pray continually.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
- Surround yourself with people running the same pace towards God. There is a certain strength only when animals run with the herd; alone they are a target to a predator. Together, we can move heaven. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” -Hebrews 10:24
In our ever-changing world, God is the only constant. If this is true, wouldn’t it make sense to fix our eyes on Him?
Be intentional in your faith. Spend time daily with Jesus, talk to Him, and run with others that do the same.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a single mom/father, an empty-nester, or a college student. When we journey with Jesus, people are watching. It may be our kids, neighbors, or a co-worker from afar. You may never know who you will be ‘taking’ to church, but running the race well will cause change for the better.
Be intentional to know Him, to run the race well, and simply because others are watching.
Run with intentional faith.
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