The Race That Is Set Before Us
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Some time ago, I heard about a woman named Georgene Johnson who ran a marathon by accident. At the starting line, she lined up with the wrong group. Her plan was to run the 10K – not the marathon. But as it turned out, she left the gate with the wrong group.
It was not until the four-mile mark that she realized her mistake, and at that point, she decided to just keep going. She ended up finishing the race in four hours and four minutes. Later she explained, “I thought to myself: This isn’t the race I trained for. This isn’t the race I entered. But, for better or worse, this is the race I’m in.”
Maybe there have been times in your life when you have felt like that. I’m not exactly doing what I planned to be doing. I’m not exactly where I thought I’d be at this point in my life. But here I am – for better or worse – this is the race I’m in.
From time to time, we all find ourselves in situations that are difficult, challenging, and even heart-wrenching, whether it is battling an illness, taking care of an aging parent, working through a difficult relationship, or some other struggle. The challenge for all of us is to preserver. The challenge is not to give in to bitterness, cynicism, or negativity.
The book of Hebrews (12:1) encourages us:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely. and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us…”
Let us pray: Along this journey of life, O God, we find there are twists and turns, detours and dead ends. The path does not always unfold the way we’d hoped and planned, but we do thank you for traveling with us. Today, we ask you to continue to strengthen us with hope and courage, and companionship along the way. Even amid the struggles may we experience your joy. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Head of Staff at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Currently, Joe and his family worship and serve at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, Florida. Full Bio
