Running the Good Race

Running the Good Race

Paralysis and marathon are usually two words that appear to be at odds with one another.  Marathon runners do not typically inspire images of crutches or implements of mobility providing assistance for persons with an impairment.  It is, however, this incompatibility that lends itself an opportunity for awareness.  Claire Lomas, paralyzed from a horse riding accident, has used her current station in life to raise awareness for spinal cord research through her involvement in the London Marathon.  Claire didn't raise awareness by taking first place.  She didn't raise awareness by finishing in a manner worthy of winning a medal.  In fact, Claire finished 16 days after the 26.2 mile race began.  Claire did, however, raise (circa) $160,000 for the cause of spinal cord research and became the first person to have ever completed a marathon - not through the use of a wheelchair - but through the use of a ReWalk bionic suit.  

In Paul's second letter to Timothy, he tells his son in the faith, that he has finished the race.  Paul wasn't trying to raise awareness for charity but to offer encouragement to Timothy through his epistle that is believed to have been written in a jail cell.  Paul presses on to preach perseverance.  It is the man that keeps the faith that wins the prize - so it is all the more important to preserve.  In matters of the spiritual realm that Paul is talking about, we are speaking of a crown of righteousness that is granted in eternity as opposed to an earthly accolade - a prize that will fade away.  Seeing Claire finish her race in spite of her trials, reminded me of Paul's race.  I think sometimes we hear the call of evangelism and think to ourselves we aren't in an opportune time to serve in the Kingdom of God.  We have imperfections, limited resources and extenuating circumstances that keep our hands tied and our mouths gagged in a manner and fashion that decommissions us from the preaching, teaching and spreading the Gospel.  If Paul can finish the race in spite of being beaten with rods, stoned, ship wrecked and snake bit, what is stopping us?

Unlike Claire, we don't have a ReWalk bionic suit that can provide assistance and afford us an opportunity to triumph our physical barriers.  With the hardness of a fallen world, who would not be down trodden and disheartened?  With God, however, we aren't given a spirit of timidity.  Paul tells Timothy that we have been given a spirit of power, love and discipline.  Paul encourages us through his epistle to Timothy that the Holy Spirit indwells us and it is under His power that we can guard the truth.  It is in faith and love that we have that is from Christ Jesus that will be our instruments to carry out His will.  So instead of dwelling on the lack of power we have in ourselves, let us be reminded of the power that we have in Him by trusting and resting in Jesus.  Let us stand firm in the truth and press forward on to win the prize for God has equipped us for a good work.  The same as Claire Lomas has used her physical challenges to bring awareness to spinal research, let us use our worldly challenges, our weaknesses and shortcomings to bring awareness to the Gospel.  Jesus didn't die for people living in perfection.  He died for sinners that were dead in their trespasses.  He humbled Himself and died for the lowly.  Before our salvation, we were without hope and it is in our weakness that He is glorified.  If Jesus can save a lost sinner like me then He can surely save you.  With God, all things are possible.   

Soli Deo gloria,

W.