You're a Runner... So Run Your Race!

You're a Runner, so Run Your Race!
Current mood: Inspired!
Category: Life

You're a Runner... So Run Your Race!

It was 1988 in Seoul S. Korea. Derek Redmund was a heavy favorite to win the 400 meters. As the gun went off, eight men took off in a dead sprint for a one lap fast and furious race. At the midway point one runner, Derek Redmund, crashed onto the track in a heap writhing in pain, his achilles tendon had snapped. His Olympic gold dream was gone in a moment.

It was 1992 in Barcelona Spain. Dered Redmumd had spent four long and grueling years rehabilitating his injury and was in race form and again favored to win the 400 meters. The gun went off and again eight men started in a flury toward the finish line. The crowd was on it's feet and the media was covering this "comeback" story in hopes of a great Olympic moment. Then suddenly, as if an instant replay was happening, Derek Redmund crashed onto the track as his hamstring snapped!

The crowd was stunned as seven men went on to complete the race. Derek attempted to stand to no avail. The paramedics ran to him and tried to get him to sit down and yet he continued to try to get up.

Suddenly, one man broke through the security line and rushed to the wounded runner. They had a brief conversation and then they stood together and began to lumber toward the finish line in what would be a world record for the slowest Olympic 400 meter in history.

As they awkwardly approached the finish line, 100,000 fans stood to their feet in a thunderous show of support for the ailing runner who was determined to finish his race. As they crossed the finish line together the crowd was roaring and cheering... one of the Olympics greatest stories unfolded for the world to see.

Oh... and about that conversation... it went like this:

Jim: "You don't have to do this."

Derek: "Yes I do!"

Jim: "Then we will do it together!

At that moment, Jim Redmund, Derek's dad helped him to his feet and they ran the final stretch together.

"Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses... let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Heb 12:1

We need to realize that all of us have a race to run. In other words, God has given you an assignment, a lane assignment, if you will. It is unique to you. No one can run the race for you, but others can help and give you support.

Also, you're not running alone. There is a great cloud of witnesses that have gone before us that are standing to their feet and cheering us on! The heavenly host is doing the wave as you make each step toward completing your race!

And finally, God has not told you to win the race, only to run it! In our culture we have come to believe that being in first place is the only place. However, in God's eyes, to willingly participate and run the race the best you can is winning!

How about you? Are you running your race? Are staying in your lane? The Bible tells us in Isaiah, "If you be willing and obedient you will eat the good of the land." Some of us are obedient, but are we a willing runner in this race?

I want to inspire courage in you today to run your race and celebrate each step you take toward the finish line... we're all cheering you on! Remember, "You're a Runner, so Run Your Race!"

If you would like to hear this message then go to my website at www.morningstarabilene.com and click on "Click here to listen to Pastor Jimmy's Sermons."

Running,
Pastor J