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THE SURROGATE JOURNEY: BIRTHING PURPOSE THROUGH OTHERS.  PART 3: THE WEIGHT OF THE WOMB — WHEN CARRYING GETS COMPLICATED Genesis 16:5–6 Then Sarai said to Abram, ‘You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering. I put my servant in your arms, and now that she knows she is pregnant, she despises me.’ Then Sarai mistreated Hagar; so she fled from her.” (NIV) 🔁 Quick Recap: In Part 2 , we met Hagar, the Egyptian servant chosen by Sarai to carry her child. Though not her dream, not her plan, and not her baby—she became the carrier of a promise she didn’t initiate. We learned how sometimes we are called to be the “other woman” in someone else’s destiny story—carrying, serving, interceding, and pushing someone else’s dream forward. 🤰 The Blessing that Brought Bitterness Hagar became pregnant. She was carrying the long-awaited seed. She should have been celebrated. But instead… she was mistreated. The one who chose her now chased her. The one who needed her now neglected her. The woman...
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TAKING THE CIVILIAN OUT OF YOU: A JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION PART 5: RUNNING — THE RACE Of LIFE: RUNNING With PURPOSE

 

TAKING THE CIVILIAN OUT OF YOU:
 A JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION
PART 5: RUNNING — THE RACE Of LIFE: RUNNING With PURPOSE



Hebrews 12:1

 "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."


Previously: We discovered that enduring hardship is essential for growth. In Part 4, we learned how squatting in discomfort builds strength and discipline. Now, in Part 5, we focus on running the race of life, a race that requires purpose, focus, and perseverance.


In the training camp, recruits or trainees are tasked with running, not just as a physical exercise but as a means of building endurance, teamwork, and mental toughness. Running in the military is symbolic of the race of life — a race where you don’t simply run for the sake of running, but you run with purpose.


Just as athletes train for a specific goal, we too are running a race in life, and the goal is clear: to finish strong and fulfill our divine calling. This spiritual race demands that we keep our eyes on the prize, persevering through obstacles and distractions along the way. Just as Paul urges Timothy in 1 Corinthians 9:24, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."


In the same way, we must run with purpose in all areas of life: physically, spiritually, mentally, financially, and socially.


Running in life requires discipline and determination. It’s not about starting fast, but about maintaining the pace and persevering through the challenges that come our way.


When recruits or trainees are told to run, they must do so with focus, determination, and strength. There are obstacles, fatigue, and distractions, but they push through. In our own lives, we often find ourselves faced with obstacles—be it in our spiritual walk, academic endeavors, or even in our personal or financial struggles. Yet, the key is to keep running, knowing that the reward awaits those who don’t give up.


Running with Purpose:

Spiritual: Running the race of life spiritually means staying committed to your relationship with God, continuing to grow in your faith even when the road gets tough. This requires intentional time for prayer, study, and serving others.


Physical: In the physical realm, running teaches us to maintain a steady pace in maintaining our health. It’s not about running fast to achieve a goal overnight but about committing to steady progress, taking care of your body, and prioritizing health.


Academic: Academically, running symbolizes consistent effort. It means studying hard, preparing for exams, and taking small steps toward achieving academic success, even when the workload seems overwhelming.


Financial: Running also applies to our financial journey — making steady strides toward financial stability. It requires discipline in saving, budgeting, and making wise financial decisions.


Personal Growth: In personal growth, running reminds us of the constant effort needed to improve. Whether it’s learning new skills, developing emotional intelligence, or building resilience, the race requires consistency.


In this race, the key to success is endurance. You may not be the fastest, but the one who endures to the end will receive the prize. In Hebrews 12:1, we are reminded, "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."



REFLECTION 

Reflect on your life as a race. Where are you in your journey? Are you running with focus and purpose, or have distractions and obstacles caused you to lose your pace?


Academics: Are you staying focused on your studies and running the race of academic excellence with intentional effort, or have distractions taken you off course?


Financial: In your financial journey, are you maintaining a steady course toward your goals, or are you allowing temporary setbacks to discourage you?


Spiritual: How is your spiritual race going? Are you persevering in prayer, worship, and service, or have you lost sight of your purpose?


Physical: In your physical health, are you taking care of your body, exercising, and eating well, or are you neglecting it due to a lack of commitment?


Personal Growth: In your personal growth, are you actively pursuing self-improvement, learning, and developing, or have you grown complacent?




This weekend, examine the areas of your life where you need to run with purpose and endurance:


Academics: Set clear academic goals and run after them with focus, no matter the challenges.


Financial: Take steps toward financial discipline, whether it’s budgeting, saving, or seeking financial education.


Spiritual: Commit to running your spiritual race by spending consistent time in prayer, Bible study, and service.


Physical: Create a fitness plan and stick to it, running the race of health and strength.


Personal Growth: Identify one area where you can improve this week, and take intentional steps toward growth.



PRAYER

Lord, thank You for the race of life. Help me to run with purpose, focus, and endurance. Strengthen me in my spiritual, academic, physical, financial, and personal races. When distractions arise, help me to stay focused on the prize and persevere through every challenge. I trust You to guide me every step of the way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.



Coming Up Next:

Part 6: Frogger — Hopping Over Life’s Obstacles



📌Let’s Talk:

How has this message on running with purpose impacted you? In what area of your life do you need to run with more focus and determination? Share your thoughts, testimonies, or

 questions — we grow better together.

Thank you!






Prince Julius Nenebi-Darkson

(El-PJ God's Penman)


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