The Race

You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. 


Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win.


All good athletes train hard. 


They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades.



You're after one that's gold eternally. I Corinthians 9:24-25 (The Message)


John & I went to the new track at Grand Valley State University to see Edward run the 1500m this past weekend.  Seeing all of the runners in these races, I can't help but think of the verses that compare our life to a great race.

Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!  Hebrews 12:1-3