“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us,
let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us.
Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us.”
A Long Obedience . . .
Ready. Set. Go!
That’s often how the final week of the year feels. It’s a time for reflecting on the past year and planning for the new year — a time for making goals and gearing up for a new run.
I have great aspirations for the new year too. I want to . . .
Drink more water.
Get more exercise.
Eat more green veggies.
And read more books.
I might even run a half-marathon. I also want to . . .
Reach beyond my four walls.
Meet new people.
Connect with friends.
And laugh together often.
These are all great goals, but the one thing I want to do more than anything else in 2016 is run the one race that God has laid before me. This race isn’t meant to be exhausting either. It’s simply what Eugene Peterson calls “a long obedience in the same direction.”
As I think about the new year and all the goals I’d love to accomplish, I want to remember what is most important: loving God and loving others. This is the real race we are called to run. And each step of this race begins with a step of obedience. One step turns to two steps. Then another and another.
That’s really my deepest desire for this next year . . . that I move forward in obedience to God’s Word and the race He has set before me. Because when I reach the end of my days, this is what I want to be true of me . . . that I lived a life of obedience to God and His Word, loving Him and loving others.
What are you most looking forward to in 2016?
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Denise,
That is a great and worthy goal to have in the year ahead…one I share with you. I, too, want to pursue “a long obedience in the same direction”! May we all hold each other accountable so that we aren’t running the race alone…but together. Beautiful!
Blessings,
Bev
Denise J. Hughes says
I love that Bev…”we aren’t running the race alone.” Amen!
Also, I want to say “thank you” for all your sweet words of encouragement this year after the Sunday devos. I am deeply grateful for you. xo ~Denise
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
You’re welcome…thank you for all the insightful Sunday devotionals…they’ve been very uplifting and encouraging!! xo
Stefanie says
I am looking forward to a fresh start in this new year. I’m looking forward to more opportunities to share God’s love with those around me.
Thank you for your writing this. We can all use a little reminder.
Denise J. Hughes says
I’m with you, Stefanie…”I’m looking forward to more opportunities to share God’s love with those around me.” Yes!
Beth Williams says
Denise,
I’m looking forward to peace. more inner peace and less angst. Want to be more loving, calm and peaceful. Run the race God has set before me and forgive myself of ALL past mistakes.
Blessings 🙂
Denise J. Hughes says
Beth, I so agree…”more inner peace and less angst.” Indeed!
Sharon says
Hi Denise,
I want to be more intentional at helping others, rather than just ask what I can do for someone in crisis. When someone is in hard times, I hope to take action by making a meal, picking up groceries, walking the dog, cleaning a home, mowing a lawn, or providing a ride to the doctor’s appointment or bank.
Acts 20:35 By all these things, I have shown you that by working in this way we must
help the weak, and remember the words of the Lord Jesus that he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Peace,
Sharon
Denise J. Hughes says
Now those are some beautiful goals for the new year, Sharon. I’m with you on that. 🙂
Katie says
Such simple truth! Obedience isn’t quite as flashy as big and glamorous goals or a 10 step promise. Faithfulness and steadfastness don’t get nearly the airtime, but I’m convinced this is where it is at. Thank you for this beautiful reminder!
Denise J. Hughes says
Oh, Katie, your words are so true…”Faithfulness and steadfastness don’t get nearly the airtime.” Let’s make that our goal for this new year, shall we? 🙂
susefish says
Brilliant – thank you
Denise J. Hughes says
Happy New Year! 🙂
Meg Bucher says
Thank you for this opportunity to refocus. I’m a mess trying to form do-able resolutions, and need to be reminded that God doesn’t set out to do “do-able” things through my life! I can’t make a goal to accomplish a feat I don’t have the ability to foresee! Instead, my word for 2016 is obedience. Obedience to head the Spirit’s tug on my heart… Obedience to do the work … To stay in the Word … To offer what I have to God everyday and follow His leading on what is to be done with it. I trained for a marathon last year… I know obedience. It’s hard. This year, I want to be obedient in training for the race that ends in Jesus’ embrace.
Happy New Year!
Megs
Denise J. Hughes says
Meg, that’s a beautiful one-word focus for the new year. I love it!
Meg Bucher says
Thank you!
Jamie Finney says
I’m looking forward to a happier 2016. My brother has cancer and my mom had a stroke in August. I lost my job in August and my ex broke up with me on Christmas Eve. I feel so overwhelmed and heartbroken.
Nancy says
Jamie, these things you are experiencing are not small. They are huge storms. It is not surprising that you feel sad and maybe a little scared. (Am I right about the scared part?) But God is still with you. He has not gone off on vacation. Watch for Him. In times like these you may find Him in moments that seem small, but when you have passed through you will see that they were, oh, so beautiful and oh, so rich. He is holding your hand. He will not let go. I will pray for you. Others will pray for you.
Jamie Finney says
Thank you for the encouraging words and prayers. I’m just completely heartbroken. 🙁
Nancy says
Yes, this is living on this planet and in this life, but because of God’s goodness and resources you will mend. Probably not today. But it will happen. Also don’t be afraid to mend; it is not a betrayal of the ones we love to find peace and joy again.
Denise J. Hughes says
Jamie, I’m so sorry for all you’re experiencing right now. It’s normal to grieve such losses. Your feelings are real. I pray you’ll sense His presence in these moments and hold fast to Him. He is our hope.
Meg Bucher says
Jamie,
Sweet sister in Christ. Lean on Him. Lean into Him. You have more to endure than is plausible for the human heart to survive… From a human perspective. Ditch it! And survive on God’s perspective. In Him and through Him all things and all healing is possible. I pray strength into your heart today. I pray that one step at a time, you will feel the Son shine on your face each day… And know that He loves you immensely. I wish you peace in 2016, dear gal. Hang in there!
Happy Wednesday!
Megs
Yvonne says
Denise, thanks for your post on moving forward in obedience to God’s word and the race He has set before us. What a massive topic! I am experiencing that the more often I ask God in prayer to be able to do ‘His will for today’ – I am slowly but surely experiencing the peace and contentment that is rightfully ours to enjoy. At the age of 58 I look back over my life and am amazed at how God has ‘protected me all the days of my life’… His love, patience and endurance with me is the ultimate example to follow. And He has given us each other♥️
Worshipping ♥️ in this moment.
Denise J. Hughes says
Yvonne, thank you for sharing these words. I agree…it is truly amazing to see how God’s hand has been with me all along — even in the midst of the most painful of circumstances.
Jamie Finney says
Denise, thank you. The heart break seems to get worse with each passing day.