Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, – Hebrews 12:1
Two friends wanted to run a road race in honor of Independence Day. In preparation for the event, the first friend downloaded an app that allowed her to draw a race route to determine the correct length. She drew and re-drew the route until she was happy with the results. She then went to the location and ran the route, checking for safety hazards and making sure the route started and ended in the right places. After that, she went home and made signs for each turn on the route she had created.
On the morning of the run, this same friend got up early and drove the route to set out the directional signs. She then met her friend at the designated spot to begin the race. They ran the entire race side by side.
If an earthly friend is willing to do all of that for a 5K run with a friend, just imagine how God prepares the route for our life’s “race!” I would think that He maps it out exactly how He wants it before He sets it before us. Surely, He checks the course for hazards and then marks the path with experiences and people to turn us in the right direction at certain points. The best part is that He does not leave us to run alone. He runs right beside us the entire way.
As the two friends ran their race, the second friend had no idea how the route looked on a map. She had no idea where she was going. She merely trusted her friend to guide her accurately. When the race was complete, she could see that their Independence Day race route had spelled out “USA.”
When we run our race, God knows how the whole route looks. He has meticulously designed it for us. We must be willing to trust Him as we follow His directions. One day, He can show us the complete design, but only if we run all the way to the end, stay on course, and do not quit!
by Amber Slimp
