The Race of Life

“Go!” The whistle blew and off they went. Legs flying, batons held tight, little bodies running. “Come on.” cried parents and teachers cheering from the sideline followed by desperate pleas, “Don’t stop. Keep going!” as little ones slowed down to wait for their friends. “Don’t look back.” accompanied energetic arm waving and finger pointing as grinning faces enjoyed the crowd as they passed and looked out for mum and dad. “Run!” a simple word shouted with such gusto and emotion that it evoked a burst of energy and etched a tiny smile on the face of the hearer spurring them to run with all their might toward the finish line.

Oh! What a day!  What a wonderful, exhausting day!  The Carnival finished, I went home and collapsed into the outstretched arms of my recliner and enjoyed a well-earned ‘Nanna nap’! 

Jesus tells us we are to “run with patience the race that is set before us looking unto Him, the author and finisher of our faith.” Hebrews 12: 1b-2a.

  Our race of life leads us along many paths of joy, sorrow, uncertainty and absolute conviction. Along the way it is good to have friends cheering us, celebrating triumphs and sharing our tears.  Best of all, our greatest friend, our Lord Jesus is there cheering us on.  He is our biggest fan, ever enthusiastic as we strive to do the Father’s will.  Jesus runs the race with us.  The moment we’re saved He says, “Go!” As we run, He’s there cheering “Come on.” When we face life’s challenges and heartbreaks, Jesus pleads with our hearts, “Don’t stop. Keep going!” and when the world looks so tempting its Jesus’ gentle, loving voice that encourages us saying, “Don’t look back.”  He’s always there telling us to “Run!” 

Do you listen for His small, quiet voice speaking to your heart through the Holy Spirit; do you heed those scriptures that ‘jump’ out at you or roll over and over in your mind?  They will give you direction in your thinking to make wise decisions.  Are you running with all your might towards the finish line and Christ’s open arms?  It’s a great race and you will be, without a shadow of a doubt, a winner!

So hang in there and keep on running.

Debi Stone

Debi and her husband, Scott live in Bundaberg.  Debi teaches at the local Christian College. She has a passion for writing and enjoys sharing those things the Lord places upon her heart.