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Verse:Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. —1 Corinthians 9:24, 25, ESV
Recently, my husband and I had the opportunity to watch our grandson, Nikolas, compete in a track and field championship in California.
It was an exciting and memorable experience.
We traveled a long distance to attend this event as well as his graduation from high school. Nikolas practiced hard daily because he wanted to win. On the day of the competition, we arrived early to secure seats that would give us a good view. We wanted to position ourselves to see him and cheer him on.
Twenty-three high schools competed that day, so the stadium was packed with spectators. Before it was time for Nikolas’s group to compete, we watched many of the races and witnessed the exuberance of victory and the agony of defeat.
As athletes walked by to position themselves for some of the races, spectators called out their names and cheered them on. Surprisingly, the competitors kept their focus straight ahead. No one turned around to wave, and no one stopped to acknowledge their family. In our heavenly race, we, too, have to stay focused, with our eyes fixed on Jesus. In two of the three races in which Nikolas competed, he came in first. It was a thrilling moment to watch him run. We were extremely proud of him.
In one of the races, a young man collapsed at the finish line. As he lay on the ground, a man walked over and extended his hand, pulled him up, then put his hand on his shoulder as they walked away. Another runner kicked over the first hurdle and fell, injuring his leg. After some time, he got up and limped away, unable to complete the race. Painful moans came from spectators. As Christians, we, too, are in a race. Sometimes life’s problems will knock us down, or we may stumble and fall, but Jesus, our loving Savior, is always waiting with outstretched arms to lift us up and give us the strength to keep on going. We must always rely on His power to help us make it to the finish line. Fellow traveler, as we continue the race of life, let’s keep our eyes on Jesus as we “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1, ESV).
Shirley C. Iheanacho