Normally A Cloud

NORMALLY A CLOUD of smoke on a motorsports track is a sign of something bad. A blown engine, a car spinning out of control, a fire—smoke and racing just don’t mix. But the 2003 Ford 400 ended in a white cloud, and Matt Kenseth couldn’t have been happier.

Although Kenseth finished dead last in the Ford 400 after his engine blew 28 laps into the race, his loss couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. Normally if a racer is eliminated from a NASCAR event that early, he jumps into a helicopter, flies to the airport, and jets home. But Kenseth wasn’t going anywhere—he still had to celebrate his season-long Winston Cup championship. Even his last-place finish in NASCAR’s final race of the year didn’t knock him out of the top spot in the points standings. So once Bobby Labonte took the checkered flag, it was time for Kenseth to get back on the track.

He stepped into his backup car, eased its nose against the wall, and gunned the engine. The madly spinning tires created an enormous cloud of smoke and a memorable way to cap off a Winston Cup championship. Nobody had ever seen a stunt like that before, and it proved to be a great way to celebrate.

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POINT Matt Kenseth may have lost the battle at the Ford 400, but he won the war by taking first in the Winston Cup standings. His season-ending setback at the Homestead-Miami Speedway didn’t dampen his spirits because he knew he was the champion no matter what happened. So when the race ended, Kenseth celebrated in grand style.

In our Christian life, we’ll often suffer setbacks. We won’t win every race. All of our papers won’t be As. Everything won’t go perfectly. But we have reason to celebrate every day because of what Jesus Christ has done in our life. We may lose a lot of battles, but Jesus won the war. You’re already a champion if the Lord is in your life.

GOAL! Suffering loss isn’t easy. But it is a part of life. Instead of dwelling on your loss, try to focus on Christ and the ultimate victory he gives you. He’s already won the war . . . so celebrate!