SWHW Two Year Bible Reading Plan: March, Year 2Sample

Top Takeaway from Emily Copeland:

The enemy has convinced many of us that there are no consequences for inactivity in the life of a Christ-follower. 

It’s just easier not to move sometimes. It’s easier to avoid the mission some days. It’s easier to just go with the flow of our daily routine. Does it really matter if I stop and take a few days or weeks off of my commitment to follow Jesus boldly? 

Without movement, we lose the basic functions of our spiritual muscles. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 we see why it’s so important to give our energy to self-discipline rather than handing over our energy to inactivity. 

“Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” vs. 26-27 

Running aimlessly and beating the air is in essence a picture of a life without a real focus and commitment to the gospel. God gives us direction in His Word, and He gives us the work. Anything aimless is on us, and without commitment and action in the right direction, we miss out on the prize which is the reward of the presence and partnership with Jesus. 

In my 33 years of experience, only the enemy tells us that it’s okay to slow down and to take a break. God places people and opportunities in front of us 365 days a year. The Gospel doesn’t exhaust us, it fuels us. I know that any days or weeks I’ve taken and left my Bible closed or left conversations silent with God, I’ve felt directionless, and I’ve moved aimlessly, not experiencing the reward of my relationship with Christ. 

Only the enemy will tell you that there are no consequences for standing on the sidelines of your mission as a Christian. But standing on the sidelines renders us fruitless, weak, weary, and powerless. 

Ready for some good news? God doesn’t deny any runner a chance to get back in the race. He waits for us to pick up our feet and pick up the pace. It’s here that we receive strength for the journey and power for the obstacles. The enemy will whisper, “Slow down; your pace makes no difference” but God says, “Your race brings Me glory, your effort brings Me joy.” 

You are seen, you have a heavenly cheering section, and your race today matters. Movement is LIFE. Let’s run together! 

God, help me to remember my spiritual muscles today. I pray for the courage to use them to grow closer to You and to look more like You day by day. As I run my race, I will rely on Your strength to keep the pace. I don’t have enough endurance on my own, but You promise to sustain me, and I believe You will. I pray that You will bring me an opportunity today, and I commit to being ready to receive it and make You known through it. I love You. Amen.