Race Day Week 2

Sometimes the hardest part for any of us when we have a problem, is actually admitting we have a problem.

We may feel as if certain sins or struggles should be beneath us because we are Christians, so we find it difficult to own up to it when we are failing in certain areas of our lives.

We are all sinners in need of a savior, and the sooner you start to evaluate your life, the sooner God can start to work a miracle in you.

When something is wrong with your car, you raise the hood and see what is causing the problem. Many of us need to do the same thing in our lives, we need to take some time to raise the hood and diagnose the issues at hand. But it takes an honest look at yourself. This will be completely ineffective if you are set on lying to yourself about what you find. When you are ready, ask yourself these questions honestly.

1. What hinders me? The first thing that most of us might think of us is sin, but it doesn't necessarily have to be a sin to hinder you.  It can be certain people who are a negative influence on you, it could be dating the wrong people, it could be the places you go, the music you listen to, or the television shows you watch. None of which are in the bible under a "THOU SHALL NOT", however we would be naive to think that these things can't and won't hinder us in our walk with Christ.

2. What is my primary area of temptation? These are hard questions that none of us really want to dwell on I am sure, but when you know the answer to these questions, you will know better how to fight off the temptation or how to stay away from it entirely. We all fail, and we all have things that tempt us. But you don't have to be overwhelmed by your temptations. you can overcome. 1 Corinthians 10 tells us that God will never allow you to be tempted more than you can handle. Discipline is the difference between average and abundance.

3. Where am I in my walk with Jesus? Have you become comfortable with simply coming to church on Sundays? You cannot effectively keep your eyes on Christ without spending time with him praying and reading His word. Read your bible for at least 10 minutes a day. Join a small group to help keep you accountable in your walk with Christ.

God did not intend for us to live life frustrated and confused and accusing. He came to give us life, and life more abundantly. But God is a gentleman and He will not force Himself on you. So be honest with yourself about the issues in your life, and start today working towards a fresh start.

Hebrews 12:1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witness, 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."