Greetings Brethren!

Two weeks ago, we looked at 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and the comparison of our calling to running a race. In that section Paul admonished us to run our race "in such a way" that we may win.

Continuing that discussion, let's look at a second race strategy commonly called "front running" or "rabbit running". Front running employs the tactic of starting the race very fast in hopes that the other competitors will tire out and allow them to win solely based on attrition. Since the race starts out so fast, by the time the runner approaches the finish line their pace has slowed dramatically. This strategy is rarely ever successful. Driven by nerves, misunderstanding of their abilities, or lack of determination the early pace proves to be much faster than they can maintain. The term we used on my track/cross country teams to describe this was "goldbricking". We called it this because the race started with so much potential you thought they were gold. However, when they got to the difficult part of the race their true mettle revealed to be brick underneath a layer of gold.

We must be wary of our potential to fall into the same pattern in our race before God. Luke 8:4-15 is the parable of the sower and the seed. Within that story Jesus described in verse 6 and then explained in verse 13 the seed that fell on stony ground. This represents those who hear the word of the Kingdom and respond immediately with joy.  However, because there is a lack of a root system there is not enough strength to endure harsh sunlight or dry spells. Just like the runner who starts out strong only to fade when the race gets difficult, trials and tribulation can cause us to stumble.

It is to be expected that we will face difficult periods in this life (John 16:33, Acts 14:22,1 Peter 4:12 et al). How deep is our conviction to God and His way of life? The confidence in the assurances of God should serve as the anchor of our lives (Hebrews 6:18-19). As we face times of distress our commitment will be revealed (1 Corinthians 3:11-15). It is when a race gets difficult, that winners are separated from losers. Our carnal tendency is to draw back when adversity strikes. In those periods, we "have need of endurance so that after you have done the will of God you may receive the promise" (Hebrews 10:36). If we commit to God, endure the afflictions of this life, and trust in the hope He has set before us, we are assured of our victory from God through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57).

I pray this Sabbath, we can renew our dedication towards God and run with endurance the race that is set before us.

Happy Sabbath! 

Devin Schulz