Run the Race

As many of you may know, each year our children’s ministry hosts a 5K run.  This event is used as a fund raiser to help support kids who need financial assistance to pay for camp.  We have been able to help countless kids be able to attend camp and have seen many of those make life changing decisions for Christ.  I think it was the 3rd year we had the 5K, I decided that I would train really hard and wanted to beat the results of some of the kids who were running.  I remember starting in January and by May I was in pretty good shape, or at least I thought I was.   The day of the race came and I after finishing with a pretty decent score, I realized that at least 20 of the kids who ran it were faster than me.  The aggravating part was most of those admitted they never trained.  They just were younger and faster.  In the end, it was a fun day and we were able to raise a good amount of money for the scholarship fund, so eating a little humble pie wasn’t so bad. 

The Apostle Paul compared the Christian life to a race in Hebrews 12:1-2:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfected of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” 

We clearly have a race to run.  This race is run in our daily lives, at our jobs, in our homes, and in the social activities in which we participate.  This race may be easy for some, like those kids who beat me in the 5K, or more difficult for others.  Whatever your race looks like, remember what verse two says, that we are supposed to fix our eyes on Jesus.  What a great word of encouragement!  Knowing that is we keep focused on Him that He will help us finish our race. 

As a church we are also in quit a race right now.  It is easy to get discouraged and wonder what is going on in our country.  The great news is that Jesus knows and He has a great plan for us.  We just have to fix our eyes on Him.  While we are running this race lets continue to move forward and reach people.  We can and should be making a difference every day.  I for one am determined to run this race with my church family and know that God has a great plan for our future.

Mike Summy

Children's Pastor