Running Through the Tape

I have had several events converging that when combined create this perfect storm. It has encouraged me to rely less on myself and more on God’s grace. These events are not really impacting my well being, but that of some of those closest to me. Two in particular weigh heavily on my heart. Without revealing too much detail, both involve very long paths; long races, much effort to complete or overcome.

This has brought a few memories back to me from my “old” track days. We would prepare and prepare and then the day of the race would arrive and the one thing our coach instilled in us is that during the race no matter what run through the tape; whether in first place or last run as hard as you possibly could all the way through the tape.

Another way to say it comes from my favorite football coach who has this motto; finish the drill – no matter the circumstance; let your last step be your best step; let your last block be your best block; your last pass be your best pass. I think the Apostle Paul would have appreciated this mindset.

Think of Paul and all the trials he faced from shipwrecks to deserts to prison to illness yet he encouraged us all to finish the race. In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul instructs us;

24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Can you see Paul encouraging us to finish strong. There will always be obstacles, there will always be trials, and there will always be influences, but no matter what finish strong. We have a great, loving, healing and glorious savior waiting at the finish line with arms open wide. So my friends what ever may be going on in your lives know that Christ is there for you and finish the race just as Christ finished His race for each of us.

In 2 Timothy, Paul provided something that one day I hope we all can say;

7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Grace and Peace!

Stand

You know the older I get the less I like to travel on business. It is not the work; it is being away from family and friends. I know, that must sound too mushy, but it is true. I recently traveled to our headquarters for a quarterly review. When I do travel it does give me some time to concentrate on my reading. I started a new book called “Stand” edited by John Piper and Justin Taylor. In this book they recruited some great writers to capture their thoughts on enduring in ministry.

It is a wonderful book with some of my favorites; Piper joined by Jerry Bridges, Randy Alcorn, John MacArthur and Helen Roseveare all contributing chapters dealing with perseverance. It is inspiring to read the stories of these fine people and their lives in ministry; to pick up the wisdom each has gathered over the years.

If any of you are tired from your spiritual journey, I think this book will help you gain that second wind; to inspire endurance. You know our efforts are just that; a journey through life complete with ups and downs. It is one we are called to endure to move forward and by looking to the proper source for our strength will enable us to “finish the race”.

I am reminded of a passage in Isaiah 40;

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 9 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Are you tired and weary? Stand Firm, endure, persevere; turn to our savior and fight the good fight, continue the journey, and consider the verses from Hebrews 12 used by Helen Roseveare to end her chapter;

1Therefore, 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. 2Let 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.

May we all soar on wings like eagles, may we run and not grow weary and may we fix our eyes on Jesus!

Grace and Peace!