Run Your Race!

“…I have finished the race.” 2 Timothy 4:7

A few days ago I stood at the finish line of the Great Floridian Ironman-distance triathlon and cheered. Swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles, then running the 26.2 miles of a marathon is no small feat. The first racer crossed the line in 9 hours and 20 minutes, the last in 18 hours and 20 minutes, and hundreds of athletes came across in between, each with a different story, each with a different motivation, all with the same result – they finished the race.

To finish an event of such magnitude takes endurance, training, discipline, and much determination. You must know why you are doing what you are doing and you must be strongly committed to do it. “I have finished the race,” Paul told Timothy. The course marked out for Paul had not been easy, but through God’s power and grace, Paul had finished his race. His discipline and determination showed through when times got tough. His commitment to God and God’s purpose kept him running when he wanted to quit.

Don’t quit. Keep running. On the cross, Jesus qualified you for God’s race of real life. He set you on your course and will never leave your side. His grace will sustain you; His power will strengthen you. His Word will nourish you and give you energy to run and to run well. Don’t compare yourself to other racers; God gave you unique abilities and opportunities. You’re not competing against them; you’re running with them. As Christ-followers, we each have a different course, but we all have the same destination!

As my amazing husband Steve and the 245 other racers crossed the finish line Saturday evening, banners were waving, music was playing, and their names and hometowns were triumphantly announced to the cheering crowd. It was a moment of great victory and sweet celebration.

A bigger and better moment is coming. A post-race party that will never end! Our Coach will pass out the prizes and we’ll pass them right on to the One who gave us the victory. If you’re His, you’ll be there. Be there with no regrets.

Tighten your laces.
Pick up your pace.
Run your race.

Finish well.



Time For A Little R&R

RECOGNIZE
How are you doing in your race of real life?

RESPOND
Think about the moment when you will run into His arms. Let that reality strengthen you for today.