Given September 2017

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.”  (1 Corinthians 9:24) 

 Imagine this: You’re at a track meet watching the mile run.  One participant is doing very well but notices someone in trouble on the side of the track and stops to help them.   He gives his assistance, makes sure the person is OK, and then continues on with the race.  Of course, everyone has passed him by and he finishes in last place.  At the awards presentation, he is standing by and hears his name called to come to the platform.  “What is my name being called for?” he wonders, “I came in last!”  The runner who came in first and all the other contestants who placed and ran by the person in need are wondering the same thing.  The crowd and the meet sponsor all saw what this runner did to help the person in need and they raise up thunderous applause and cheers as the runner steps up on the awards platform to receive the prize.   “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.” (Hebrews 6:10)

This could be a picture of the race of life.  Many are running to win the trophy, the prize money or fame and recognition but some things are more important to the sponsor of this Life Race, God.  Yes, we’re all in this race and we should all be striving to fulfill the calling of our creator.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ”. (Galatians 6:2). When we finish our Life Race, I pray we will all hear that “great cloud of witnesses” rise to their feet in Heaven’s stadium and cheer our entry.  “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” (Hebrews 12:1).  Let’s Go!