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Listen while you read: "O Worship The King"1
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As I watch the Olympic events, I wish that I could boast of great athletic ability, but the truth is that I have none. I wish that I were different, but I just didn't have it in me. I probably spared many boys and girls from a poor self-image because I was always the last one picked to be on someone's team. Even when I was little, there was a reason that I wasn't chosen, besides my total lack of ability. I usually gave myself away when I wandered off to catch a butterfly or pick flowers, hoping that they all would forget about me. No one else wanted to be left standing, not picked, but I just didn't care, especially if I actually caught the butterfly.
I admire people who can run for twenty-six miles (42.195 kilometres) and force themselves across a line to the applause and adoration of spectators. I can't say that I wouldn't love the moment and that sense of accomplishment, but twenty-six grueling miles of burning lungs, aching legs, and throbbing muscles would be a deal-breaker for me. My daughter, Missy, ran a half marathon, and I was so proud of her and her determination.
There is, however, a race that even I can run and that I want to finish well!
Hebrews 12:1 – Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (NIV)
I just read a book entitled Nearing Home, written by Billy Graham. I almost didn't buy the book because of the title, which suggests dying, as one might imagine. I read the book in two days and found that, indeed, he talked about death, but mostly he talked about finishing well and leaving a godly heritage. That has been my heart's desire now for quite some time, but I realize that living well and finishing well aren't easy. Sometimes, I need to do things that are hard in order to be a good witness to people around me. Today, the Lord reminded me that I have been disobeying what I know God wants me to do — something that I have been needing to change and haven't. So today, I stubbed my toe while running my race, but with God's help and forgiveness, I will continue on, trying to run the race marked out for me.
Whether we live to be 99 years old as Mr. Graham did, or go to heaven tomorrow, let our prayer be to serve God, to run the race laid out for us, and to finish well.
I want to live as long as the Lord would leave me here, but I have to say that at my age, "nearing home" does have a lovely sound to it! Pray with me:
Prayer: Father God, hold the hand of Your child. Give me courage to endure the race set before me. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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About the author:
Jeanie Nihiser <jnihiserj@gmail.com>
Geneseo, New York, USA
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Thank you. I certainly can relate.
Lovely message Jeanie. Thank you.
Thank you for that Jeannie. God bless you.
Thanks Jeanie, very cheerful, uplifting devotional. Blessings.
So well described – the desire to serve Him well, all the way to the end.
Thank you for this.
I am 95 and my body won’t let me do what I would like to do. But my mind is clear and I am able to count my blessings.
Thank you for your thoughtful words.
Thank you, Jeanie. I needed this today. It never ceases to amaze me how God speaks to me through my daily readings. May the Spirit continue to inspire you to write, and may you be blessed by God in all that you do!
Hi Jeanie,
The thought that came to my mind as I read today’s devotional was that at our age we are simply becoming homesick for Heaven. Thank you for the reminder as we see that day approaching and all we ask is that we finish well.
God bless.
Good morning, Jeanie!
Thank you for today’s devotional and your wonderful prayer:
“Father God, hold the hand of Your child. Give me courage to endure the race set before me. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.”
Blessings!
Hi Jeanie
Your views on life are very true. It does not matter how long we live here on earth because as a Christian we live for eternity with Christ in heaven. All that really matters is that we live for Christ on earth and run the race that Paul did and run it to win.
Blessings.
Thank you, Jeanie, for your special words today. I can sure relate to your feelings toward participating in physical sports activities. Back in school days, I too, was the last one picked when there was a ball game but first pick for something like a spelling bee! We can feel secure in knowing our loving Lord is not going to judge us on how fast we can run or catch a ball. He is so deserving of our gratitude for creating us so individually and serve Him with great thankfulness. Blessings for these special writings you prepare and share your love of Jesus with us.
Good morning, Jeanie,
I have watched more Olympics than ever this year. I was away visiting my cousin and she likes the Olympics and lives in an open concept house so ended up seeing lots and continued with my hubby once I was back home. I admire their dedication and passion. I also noticed how the competitors were all supportive of each other – I had not noticed that before.
I definitely would like to persevere and run a good race that has been marked out for me. I liked the expression “stubbed my toe”. It is true it is not easy, but keeping on trying is so important.
I prayed your prayer and like the picture of holding God’s hand as I continue forward. Thanks for sharing. Blessings and prayers.
Life is a journey, not a race, a journey we do well with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Thank you, Jeanie, for your honesty and encouragement. I was also one who never was chosen for a team — too tall and awkward!
Hi Jeanie
As one with “home” clearly in sight, I fully agree.
Try to get your hands on a book called “Finishing Strong” by Steve Farrar. I read it in my 60s and it has profoundly impacted my living.