Running The Race

"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I [Paul] am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.  However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace." - Acts 20:22-24

When I was much younger, I used to run in road races - not marathons. I did do a half marathon once, but mainly it was 10K races. That is 6.2 miles. But as I was re-reading Paul's words my mind flashed back to the people I ran the race with. There were always the rabbits who would take off like a shot at the sound of the starting pistol. Most would lose "steam" somewhere down the road. Then there were the rest of us. Not trying to be the best of all the runners, just trying to run their best.

I think that is what God expects of us. To run the race set before us the best we can. We don't all start at the same time, nor will we finish at the same time, nor at the same speed - hey, the races are not even the same distance. It seems that the course for some is run on a flat road while others run in the mountains. Whatever course we find ourselves on, we must run - run the best we can. Run with our whole heart in it. We may not be the best in the race, but we will all share in the prize at the end of the race. 

I don't know that you think about participation trophies that some kids receive nowadays just for playing on a team - win or lose. But - I think that there is a spiritual lesson in there somewhere. Could it be that our task is to play on a team, learn some life lessons, and not quit? Is that praiseworthy? I think it is. Someone once said, "It does not matter if you win or lose, but it is how you play the game."

God has a purpose for each of us. It could be as a preacher, or simply as a person being preached to. The question is are we faithful in the place where God has purposed us? Are we running the race for the glory of God or for our own glory? While I was in the Army I took a Physical Training (PT test) at least once a year. On one occasion as I ran the quarter mile track - 8 times around for 2 miles - I noticed that a friend of mine had stopped running and was trying to catch his breath - he was in trouble - failing the PT test was not an option.

So, I stopped to encourage him to keep moving. To look past the pain in his lungs and legs and to finish the race. Focus on the goal. The evaluators started calling out to me to leave him and finish the run. But I encouraged him to run with me and we finished together under the maximum time allowed. We both passed the test. My score was impacted but my score was not my concern - it was to help my friend who was struggling with his race. 

Maybe you know someone who is struggling with their race. That someone may just need another Christian to come alongside and encourage them to press on. Any names come to mind? It reminds me of Paul's encouragement to the Corinthian church. 

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation." - 2 Corinthians 1:3-6

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone