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.
I
pray that God will help each one of us stay in the race of life, find the
abundance God offers and share it with others each day. Staying in the race takes perspective.
40
plus drivers started the race, but only one of them was the winner. Does
that mean that all the others lost? You have to answer that for
yourself. Yet I have some thoughts for you as the race traffic heads
toward Martinsville, Virginia this weekend.
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.
Thousands
of people are said to show up in Martinsville on race weekend. In fact
our community doubles in size when the race is here. I’m not sure about the exact numbers, but I
am sure that each race fan wants their driver to win. 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. What do you think?
They
love a great race, and I do too. Close racing, the bumping of the cars
and close finishes are amazing. Doesn't help much when you see the enemy
(or the driver you don't like leading) out in front for too many.
Are
the drivers who didn't win losers? I don't think so. Some people
say they are (In fact every racers that competes wins something). Not because of who they are but because
of how they finished, behind the winner of this particular race, whoever it may
be on Sunday. Yet I think all of them are winners. It takes drive
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 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 and every 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 last in whatever race you enter, remember that life is all
about God. Stay in the race. 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.
NOTE: much of this post
was shared in October of 2014, and remains true as this weekend NASCAR returns
to Martinsville. Once again Raceway
Ministries Martinsville will be at the speedway serving race fans, and your
prayers are appreciated for those who will serve and those who will be served.
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