Philippians
3:13-14 Brothers,
I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting
what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward
the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
In my early high school years, I
competed on the track team and participated in the shot put and discus
competition. I never medaled in an event, but enjoyed the setting of a track
meet. Once in a while, the shot put and discus groups were invited to compete
in a “weight man’s” relay at the end of the running events. I’ll never forget the
first time I did this. I was nervous. As the second leg in the four-man race, I
just wanted to give a respectable outing. Anything less would be embarrassing
to me and to my team.
One day we competed against our arch
rivals across the river. There was a history of “bad blood” between the two
schools and athletic events brought out that passion. Because the score was
tied, officials decided to have a weight man’s relay at the end of the meet. I
distinctly remember that twenty yards past the finish line stood a table upon
which the event trophy sat for the winning team. The person running the last
leg of this race could see the trophy as he turned the corner to the finish
line. I said to myself as the gun sounded, “This is a powerful incentive to
give it your all.”
At this stage in my life, I don’t
remember who won the race. However, I learned a greater lesson that day. In the
race of faith (Hebrews 12:1-2), we’re encouraged to run with perseverance and
focus. Sometimes in life it’s hard to think about the finish line when we’re
hurting and distressed. But God wants us to stretch forward by faith. There’s a
prize awaiting us. Give Christ your best right now. Run with Hebrews 10:35 in
mind, “So, do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” Go
for it!
Written by H. Curtis McDaniel
