Getting In The Race

Getting in the Race

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. Romans 5:3-5

I have a lot of friends who are racing fans. They are as devoted and passionate to the sport as the drivers and racing teams themselves. And their devotion carries them through all the qualifying heats, the practice laps, and the details of getting ready. It carries them through all the moments of planning and preparation all the way up to the race.

But unlike the crew and driver they follow, they never get in the race. We may be a lot like that—planning for this and for that but never actually jumping in because we are concerned with the trials and problems we may face, concerned with the very real prospect that we may not be able to finish the race. And so we never give ourselves a chance to develop that endurance the apostle Paul refers to—endurance that develops a person’s character and leads to hope.

Remember the last project at the office you were sure you could never do or get done on time, even if you figured out how to make it happen? You were defeated from the start. Every time you made an attempt, some childhood admonition played through your mind, one that broke your spirit and put you on a downward spiral. Things like, “You’ve never been a good test taker,” or “I wish you were more like . . .” or “You’ll never amount to much.” Statements that colored your view of your abilities. Or how about the time you weren’t sure which life-changing fork in the road to take . . . and so you sat in the corner waiting for a sign? Frozen in the planning stage and afraid to jump in.

God calls us to something beyond the planning stage. Planning is beneficial, but we have to take the next step and get in the race with God. He will be pacing us to the finish line.

Uncommon Key > Planning is necessary and will help you, but there comes a time in everything when you have to step out and get in the race. God is waiting for you at the starting line.