Desperate 1's - How bad do you want Him?

Big Idea: We are the DESPERATE 1’s

Hebrews 12:1–2 ESV

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

I enjoy running.The preparation, the gear you have to wear and the course itself is all part of the package. (Cue Video) The best part about running is not just finishing the race but going father, faster, and longer than you thought you were capable of. I have never been the fastest runner or even had all the right runner gear. But there is one thing about me that no one can ever take away…I never quit. whether I scratched and clawed my way to a finish line…I crossed the finish line. I’m not competing against anyone else but myself.

But what if I just had all of the gear and ran only 10 feet and never ran again…would you consider me a runner? Whats the difference between me and the other people still running in the race?

There is this misconception that christianity is something you do to better yourself. Christianity is not something you do but its something the world calls you because you reflect Jesus!

The Desperate 1’s Mantra

Desperate 1’s Run towards Jesus Not against Him.

Desperate 1’s are bought in and sold out for the race.

Desperate 1’s are not performers, they are passionate.

Desperate 1’s will NEVER QUIT the race.

The Time has come; the moment you have been training for is now. You say a quick prayer, lace up your shoes and walk out onto the track. You are ready! You have prepared! As your feet touch the starting mark you slowly look around the stadium. You take in the smells and feel the excitement in the air. Suddenly it hits you like a ton of bricks falling on your chest, people are watching! Not just any random group of people. You recognize some faces. These people look like they have ran this race before. In fact, they still have their running gear on. So you stand there for a minute, attempting to regain your composure and you notice that they are smiling at you. Some already started to cheer for you. Then you hear a mans voice rise above the cheers like steam after a rain on a hot summer day...”Take the Extra weight off!” Another voice belted out, “Look at JESUS, He is the BEST RUNNER!” Suddenly, I hear runners to your starting marks. You are ready! You line up, dig in, and BANG! the race begins!

WE are all running a race of faith and our race takes endurance. It takes a desperation that is pushing you to look at Jesus no matter the cost and no matter how fast you are going. A desperation that Jesus is right before you and is urging you to keep believing! Keep fighting, keep trusting me. KEEP YOUR EYES on ME!