Let's start with I Thessalonians 5:9. "Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God";

If I may, I would like to relate this to an experience I had in school. I ran varsity track in highschool, not long distance running, but sprints. Whew, long distance was not for me When the starting gun goes off, you are low to the ground then, there is a rush that comes over you to get to your position and correct form as fast as possible What a rush of adrenaline to do your best to cross the finish line.

Shouldn't we do the same with the work of the Lord? Do we not need to stand fast and get in good position to serve the Lord? We need to stand fast in traditions, II Thessalonians 2:15 and stand fast in faith, I Corinthians 16:13. We need to be steadfast and unmovable, I Corinthians 15:58. We need to hold fast, hold that form without wavering, Hebrews 10:23. There is a race to be run!

Through trials conflicts and tribulation we need to stand fast and keep our formation to run a good race, I Timothy 4:7. Don't forget we have others to help! Your soul winning partners, bus teammates and church prayer warriors, just to name a few! I used to rely on my relay teammates so much! To pass the baton to someone, so they could pick up the pace when you were feeling tired, meant so much. It is such a comfort to know there are believers in Christ that are there for you. Many times they have been where you are and know how to get you back on track.

Keep in mind that others are watching, Philippians 1:27. "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel";

The last point, is your muscles. If I didn't stretch my muscles before a race, my muscles would tighten and the race wouldn't go so well. Isn't our heart a muscle? Shouldn't we work our heart so that we can stand fast and hear well done!! We need to continue till he comes!!

I Timothy 4:13, 16

"Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine"........"Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shat both save thyself, and them that hear thee".