Slow and Steady Wins the Race

 

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

 

Ecclesiastes 9:11

I returned and saw under the sun that—The race is not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all.

 

The clock is ticking, and the hand is moving forward as we sit and watch other people live their lives on social media. The world takes surveys to learn how to be two steps ahead of their targeted audience. People are walking around in a twilight zone or a trance. The entertainment that we see and hear daily on our electronic devices are flooding us with offers to buy one get half off, or buy three and the fourth one is free, coupons to eat, discounts on everything, commercial ads with unhealthy foods, pharmaceutical drugs with dangerous side effects, insurances Whole Life, term or anyone is covered for $9.99 a month without a physical. We often fail to read the small print because it has other conditions and restrictions that apply. You name it or google it and a web page serves it to you. T.V. dramas that shows us how to get away with murder, cheat, steal, envy, and destroy other people’s lives.

 

We are ordering groceries online from strangers, open containers of food from Uber eats, purchasing vehicles online before we test drive it, blind dates, etc. Every day we are waking up to hundreds of spam emails, bills, telemarketers, demands at work, commitments, entanglements, strongholds, aches, pain, trauma, social media platforms, etc. The whole point is where is God in all this noise and busyness? Some people manage to squeeze in morning prayer, devotional time, read a few scriptures on their morning commute. Many of us are guilty in watching or surfing TiKTok or YouTube videos for hours in a day. But news flash we are being programmed by the air waves. Ephesians 2:1-3 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. 2 Corinthians 4:4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 

 

Every believer must wake up and be soberminded and vigilant about their salvation in Christ. The enemy is on a mission to distract God’s people with all the world’s distractions, bells, and whistles. We are being watched and the devil is listening to us. This world is his playground where he has systems in place to conform us to the world’s design and agenda. Many are falling asleep, into these snares and traps by joining cyber groups, trading online, dating online a profile picture, but truth is there is a spirit behind the picture. Satan has his kingdom strategically in position in the invisible realm above the earth. He is intercepting the prayers of the righteous when we play on both sides of the fence. 1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

 

Saints, we must not forget that we are in a race running for our lives. The goal is to cross over the finish line with our faith in Jesus. The devil is after our faith and souls that is why he rides us and sends all kinds of people to temp, entice and entertain us. When we become entangled in these relationships and ungodly soul ties or with lukewarm Christians that is the weight that has ensnared us. Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

We must fortify our faith with the Word of the Lord and meditate in it daily. We have a purpose to fulfill that is a work from the Lord. Christ saved us, so that our lives would be a light in this dark world. Our testimonies about how we were delivered from the kingdom of darkness is our witness about Jesus Christ and the power of God working to open our minds, hearts, eyes, and ears, so that our families, friends, and others who hear our testimonies will be set free. Acts. 26:16-18 But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’

 

We must realize that we are working to build God’s kingdom by serving in our callings, purpose, and gifts. The Father desires to prune us when we produce fruit. If we are not abiding in the Word, then we are wandering sheep that can easily be led astray and the wolf will eat and destroy us. Christ is the Good Shepherd who we must obey and follow. It is vital to our souls that we eat only from the Word of the Lord which is the Bread of Life. Therefore, we must get anchored in the Word and delight ourselves in the presence of God.

 

Our race looks different as we run for Christ. Some are nearing their end as many have just started, and others are mid-way but let us not forget that every man who runs the race of faith will be crowned with an imperishable crown if they cross over the finish line into eternity believing in Jesus Christ as their Savior. Acts 4:12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

 

The world’s distractions and Satan’s agenda is to keep us from living holy and doing the good work that God predestined for us. We must learn that we have God’s Spirit living within us. 1 John 2:27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. Thus, we must not grieve the Holy Spirit by disobeying to follow His teachings, help and utterance. Remember, that we cannot save ourselves with our head knowledge or spiritual gifts and Christian fellowship with our church.

 

The race is about everyone’s faith and obedience to God. That is why we need the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into all truth. He can protect us from the evil one and reveal people’s motives and hearts. As God, the Holy Spirit dwells in the Godhead. There is one God in three persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They are in the Godhead the triune God, co-equal, co-eternal, in essence, nature, and attributes. They each have a specific work in a believer’s life to perform God’s plan of salvation. Saints, we are a part of God’s kingdom when we become born again. John 3:3-8 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.

Remember, we must not allow this world’s mind to be in us. God wants to use us for His glory, and we must yield our will and lives for His service. The Lord is worthy of our obedience. We are children of God if we obey His Word and love Him. The message of the cross is the saving power of God who raised Jesus from the grave. Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 6:5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection

Slow and steady, step by step God’s divine plan is about us being united with Him in eternity. His blood was poured out for many, we are the ransom the redeemed and the Holy Spirit is the down payment of God’s promise. 2 Corinthians 1:22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. Thereby, we win because we are sealed to the Holy Spirit and are the purchased possession in Christ.

 

The Signs

One step in front of the other He ordains

 Watch and pray for God is listening

Worship Him and extol His name

 When you are tired, He gives you rest

Restoring you with the strength to continue

Slow and steady wins the race

 Life throws you obstacles, but don’t quit

Get back on track you must start again

God is working things out that’s before you

Praise Him because He wants you to win

He’s Your conqueror can’t you see

Whatever comes your way He defeats

Shout hallelujah for another victory

He has unfaltering love to see you through

Be cautious for the signs are living proof

ã2004 “Naima’s Inspirational Melodies”