That's normal?

This morning I was reminded again of the similarities
of physical training and spiritual training.     
No pain, no gain.    
No routine and discipline, no progress    
No goals and targets, no motivation    

I am a disciple of Jesus....
... but that picture of what
a disciple 'looks like'
determines what I think is
'normal'
and what is not...

Therefore my 'normal' should look like...
Him.
the one I follow.
Jesus.

Hmmm...

So with that in mind
I read a passage
and it reminded me
that it is NORMAL to;
- persevere
- be wary of traps
- not grow weary or lose heart
- resist
ALL to do with my struggle against sin
and the things which keep me from getting the 'prize'
... which is.... looking like Jesus.

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore,
since we are surrounded
by such a great cloud of witnesses,
let us throw off everything that hinders
and the sin that so easily entangles,
and let us run with perseverance
the race marked out for us.
2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus,
the author and perfecter of our faith,
who for the joy set before him
endured the cross,
scorning its shame,
and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 Consider him
who endured such opposition from sinful men,
so that you will not grow weary
and lose heart.
4 In your struggle against sin,
you have not yet resisted
to the point of shedding your blood.

That last one.
Resisting to the point of shedding my blood.

Jesus did.
He fought sin
He pushed back
He struggled and travailed
He sweat blood
and
He triumphed....

What's my norm?
What do I consider 'good enough'
in my struggle against what tries to push me off course?

Lord,
You did it.
You pushed against it
- Temptation
- Sin
You travailed
Hard.
and in the power of the Spirit
You defeated sin
and You call me to
run the same way.

In the power of Your Spirit
Push
travail
say no....

and that is
my 'normal'.

Thanks for setting the bar.
...at You.

PJ