Originally written in October, 2019, this re-edited poem brings forth a message from Sunday worship at New Life Church in Gahanna, Ohio.  The free-verse style enhances my sermon notes.

From Hebrews 12:1-3

 

Let us throw off everything

Hindering sin, which easily entangles

 

Running life’s race with perseverance

Fixing faith’s eyes on Christ

 

He endures Calvary’s Cross

Defeating sin’s darkness and shame

 

Now sitting at God’s side

Bringing hope to lost hearts

 

The Message

 

Life’s treadmill defines our race

Running with God’s steady faith

 

Life’s marathon, hard and long

Facing emotional ups and downs

 

God sends His encouraging words

Overcoming defeat, distress, and despair

 

Trusting in Jesus, keep running

With perseverance, to the end

 

Jesus endures His own journey

Running to “our” bloody Cross

 

Following always Jesus’ faithful example

Showing us perseverance and trust

 

Young David ignores Goliath’s size

Focusing on faith in God

 

Christ faces the impossible

Yet, His journey will succeed

 

Jesus surrenders to God’s plan

Faithfully carrying our burdens

 

We all suffer sin’s consequences

Christ comes, guarding our hearts

 

Withstanding life’s harsh body blows

In this fallen, broken world

 

Take Action

 

Trusting God, eyes on Jesus

Focusing on Christ, remain obedient

 

Replacing life’s empty, negative notions

Knowing Jesus as our Savior!