“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.” Jude 24-25, NKJV
Every serious athlete knows that the backend of any sporting event will be more challenging than the frontend. Also, running a sprint versus running a marathon requires different approaches. A sprint is a shorter distance generally with a faster pace, while a marathon is longer with a bit slower pace; however, both race formats demand physical strength and a healthy mindset, through a process of rest and rejuvenation.
In my running days (a long time ago), I ran a five-mile race on the beach. At the time, I was new to the sport of running, so like many “newbies,” when the shot rang out, I took off running as fast as my legs would move. Other participants seemed quizzically to stay just far enough behind me, that I barely knew they were still in the race. I felt very good about my performance, until about mile four, when suddenly, the sand seemed to be sucking my feet into its’ depths. One by one, the other runners started passing me. None of the “self-pep-talk” coming from within could change the certain end of my losing story.
For most of us, I think we find ourselves greeting each morning of our lives with the mindset of tackling our “to do” lists as one “running a sprint.” We see the goal, hear the shot, and take off, forgetting one important factor; we need “Him who is able to keep us from stumbling…” Raw physical or mental strength and sheer determination are no match for the challenges of this world. Without Jesus, we are at the mercy of self-preservation, which inevitably bottoms out. Unlike the human condition, Jesus never requires being rejuvenated. His mood never fluctuates. He “presents [us] faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior…”
Today, will you invite Jesus to lead the way as you tackle the responsibilities that lay ahead? After the five-mile race I ran many years ago, I learned a little secret—the people who I thought were just slower than I, were utilizing a great method called, drafting. You see, with me running in front, my body diminished the wind force for the runners behind me, meaning they were not needing to work as hard. I pray you will allow Jesus to “draft the winds” for you, whether your day is a sprint or a marathon.