It
is that time again. Pray for our team
serving at Martinsville Speedway as thousands of people come to town, and we
get to talk with them about Jesus and to meet needs along the way. The following is a devotion that I shared
several years ago.
Twice
a year the world comes to our city through the world of NASCAR racing, and it
is an honor to be part of this event through Raceway Ministries. Almost
100 volunteers from several churches come together to serve race fans and have
conversations about Jesus.
43
drivers start the race, but only one will win. Does that mean that 42 of
them lost? It is true. But you
have to answer that for yourself. I have some thoughts for you as the
race traffic heads toward Martinsville, Virginia.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to
the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially
the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God
has set before us.
Martinsville
and Henry County grows by about double the people race weekend. Not sure
about the exact numbers, but I am sure that each one wants their driver to
win. It really is the presence of these two weekends that boosts our
economy in big ways.
It
is tough competition. Fans wear their driver's number with pride, put it
on their car or tent, on their clothes or even spelled out in tattoos and the
like. This can be a strange world. The fans are committed,
passionate and watching. It really is kind of like that great cloud of
witnesses from Hebrews 12:1.
They
love a good race. So do I. Close
finishes are amazing with all the race happenings and wrecks. That is
another reason why short track racing, I believe, is the best racing. Doesn't help much when you see the enemy (or
the driver you don't like leading) out in front for too many of the laps being
run.
Are
the 42 drivers who didn't win losers? I don't think so. Some people
say they are not because of who they are but because of how they finished,
behind the winner of this race, whoever it may be on Sunday. Yet I think
all of them are winners. It takes endurance to keep on and to even get in
the race.
If
in life we have an attitude or think that only one person could win or only
a few people could win, I would be so depressed (and many people are every
day). God tells us what winners do. Think about it:
Winners get in the race:
Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets
the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training.
They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal
prize.
Winners stay in the race:
So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be
clearheaded.
Winners know that God is the only real official in the race:
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to
come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who
sincerely seek him.
Winners enjoy each part of the race:
The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to
give them a rich and satisfying life.
Last, winners finish the race well:
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have
remained faithful.
Whether you win or come in dead last in whatever race you enter,
remember that life is all about God. He has called us to enjoy life, to
live it to the fullest and to know and crave His purpose each day. That
means we have to get in the race (know and love God), stay in the race (even
when it is tough), glorify God (even when that is not the most popular thing to
do), enjoy life and finish well.
But you belong to God, my dear
children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit
who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.
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