STRENGTH FOR THE RACE

Few people have ever heard of the runner, John Baker. His name is not known the world over. But once, while running a race, he studied the runners who were ahead of him. He began to wonder, “Am I doing my best?” He was not sure, so he decided to try harder.

First he focused on the runner in front of him. After a few strides, he realized that he could run harder and pass him. When he did, he immediately set another goal and passed the next runner, then the next. Finally, he was in first place, won the race and set a record.

What a great lesson for all of us. If we only focus on where we are and what we are doing, we may never achieve the potential that God has invested in us. If we “accept what is” we may well end up “as is.”  A self-satisfied life never becomes a God-glorifying life.

Paul says that we “can do everything with the help of Christ who strengthens us.” Not anything, but everything that God has planned for us to do, He will empower us to do. The power we receive from our relationship with Christ will strengthen us to overcome any obstacle that would keep us from doing His will, His way, in His world. He will never give us a superhuman power to accomplish goals for our own purposes. If He asks us to do something in His name, for His sake that will glorify Him, there are no pressures or problems, trials or troubles that will be able to keep us from winning the race He has set before us.

Prayer: Give us Your strength and will, power and determination, Lord, to do our best to run and win the race You have set before us. All things through You, for You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:  I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13