As Ashley neared the finish line, after running three miles, she stumbled and fell.
A man, possibly her father or coach, ran to her and gently encouraged her to finish the race. Although she was behind, she struggled to her feet. As the spectators cheered, Ashley crossed the finish line. She didn’t win the race, but Ashley was still a winner. She persevered and met her goal.
Robert met his goal in another way. As a drug addict, he often struggled to overcome his addiction, but each time failed. Then Robert became a Christian. When he was tempted to return to drugs, he imagined Jesus reaching to him and lovingly pulling him into His arms and saying, “Come on, son, let’s try this again.” Eventually, because he knew his Savior loved him and wanted him to be free of his addiction, Robert reached his goal.
Paul also had many obstacles as he ran his race. As a young man, he persecuted Christians because he thought he was doing God’s will. Then he met Jesus Christ, and his life turned around. His goal became sharing the good news of salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ. Despite beatings, imprisonment, and shipwreck, Paul persevered.
Ashley, Robert, and Paul had goals. Each stumbled and fell, but through the encouragement of their heavenly Father, they successfully crossed the finish line.
If you are struggling to run your life’s race, remember that with the Lord’s help, you can overcome any obstacle that threatens to cause you to stumble. Let God help you cross the finish line.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
Norma C. Mezoe strives to be a Barnabas in her writing and in her living. Norma has been a published writer for thirty years and has written for magazines, devotionals, and S.S. literature. She is active in her small church as clerk, teacher, and bulletin maker. Norma may be contacted at normacm@tds.net.