WEDNESDAY'S WORD - PACE- SADELL BRADLEY 04/15/15 NEW LIFE COVENANT CINCINNATI

PACE is consistent and continuous speed in moving.  It is the speed or rate at which something happens, changes or develops. In car racing, a pace car goes in front of the field to establish a competitive speed. "Pace yourself" means to do something at a slow and steady rate in order to avoid overexerting oneself. A "change of pace" indicates a deviation from what one is used to. To "set the pace" means to be the fastest runner in the early part of a race or figuratively, to lead the way in achieving something.  Pace is derived from the Latin passus or pandere 'to stretch.' God sometimes stretches us to establish a proper pace.
 
Paul uses the analogy of running a race to describe following Christ: Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run in such a way as to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified. (1 Cor. 9:24-27)  

The life journey of a Believer in Jesus Christ, is a marathon-not a sprint.  In a marathon, each individual sets a personal goal of the time they wish to complete the race. They run behind a pace-setter at that particular speed to establish a good pace. If they go out too fast, they will exhaust themselves and perhaps not finish.  If they go out too slowly, they risk not achieving their individual goals.  It takes much self-control to train for and complete a marathon within the allotted time. It takes  disciplined purpose to finish our life's journey and calling with joy. (Acts 20:24) 

   

How is your pacing? too fast, anxious and frenzied? too slow, lazy or procrastinating? Or are you consistently and methodically moving toward the God's plans for you?