Dear Marathoner,
Why is it important to help people establish a God directed PACE in life?
Today people are challenged as never before. The dizzying speed at which the world now moves is beyond most people’s abilities to comprehend and respond appropriately. Recently, I enquired of another, “How are things going?” He responded, “I tell you life is just a blur!” And, so it is today. Life in the information/communication age is an existence stuck in the fast-forward position, a motion sickness that has people gasping for air and desperately seeking breathing space.
People are questioning this life of great urgency, void of significance, and without peace or fulfillment. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4: 6-7). They are asking, “How can I find the time and discipline to establish a focus that truly motivates me, and works in the world today”? “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline (2 Timothy 1: 7). How does it feel to be really free and living a meaningful life? What must I do to have the more abundant life? “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8: 31-32).
PACE is a stand-alone learning experience, or it can be a complementary learning experience designed to help the individual apply the self-discovered knowledge gained from PLACE. It applies personality, spiritual gifts, abilities, passions, and life experiences to create God’s purposeful vision for your life. A spiritual PACE that becomes a living rhythm creates a focus and allows the enabling power of the Holy Spirit to direct your becoming everything that God wants you to be. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3: 20).
PACE is a valuable tool for churches, church staffs, and individual Christians.
P–Perspective: Christian values and priorities that create a purposeful vision.
A–Awareness: A unique spiritual focus to establish appropriate attitudes/behaviors.
C–Connecting Strengths with Challenge: Processes for effective planning/problem solving.
E–Evaluating Solutions: Definitive conclusions for a spiritual PACE in living a meaningful life.
God has uniquely created each of us. “/ praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). God expects us to examine and understand our uniqueness so we can appreciate and fully utilize all that He has given us. To receive the full blessing as heirs of Abraham and live the abundant life offered by Christ, it is imperative that Christians live out His plan for their lives at the spiritual PACE He requires. God is looking forward to your peak performance in the marathon of life!
A Spiritual PACE for Victory!!
Serving Him Together,
Jay Mcswain
