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 observed 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 just in front of him and determined that he would run harder and pass him. When he did, he set another goal and passed the next runner, then the next. Finally, he was in first place, went on the win 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 given us. 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, meaning that whatever God has for us to do, He will enable us to do. The power we receive from our relationship with Christ will strengthen us to overcome any obstacles 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. But if He asks us to do something in His name, 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, Father, to do our best to run and win the race You have set before us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Philippians 4:13  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.