“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” 1 Corinthians 9:24. (NKJV).
“Ready, Grandfather.”
“I’ll be here in the stands. Oh, and son?” Timmy turned. “Praying for you.” He gave a thumbs up.
Race day, July 4th, drew a large crowd. The runners toed the line. The shot sounded. They took off.Timmy kept abreast. As he pulled ahead in the home stretch, a racer sprinted past him. He stumbled, twisted his ankle, went down.
“Never make it now.” He struggled to stand, felt strong arms come around him.
“Lean on me, son. We’ll get to the finish line.”
“Grandfather.” His lip trembled. “I lost the race.”
“Nope. That’s when you quit. Race on. To the finish line.”
The crowd cheered the runners as they crossed the line, even for Timmy and Grandfather who trailed behind.
“Thank you, Grandfather.” Timmy’s chin quivered.
“We’re family, son. Always there for one another.” He tilted his head. “Like the race of life. No matter which section of the race we’re in, the Lord Jesus watches over us. And when we fall? He’s there to pick us up. Sometimes He uses family.”
“Like you, Grandfather?”
“Exactly.”
“The Lord loves me that much? He’s always with me—even when I fall?”
“Son, when we fall or need Him, that’s when we realize He’s been there all the time.”
“All the time? Even when I don’t feel He’s there?” Grandfather nodded. “Amazing. Hard to understand.”
“True.”
“Well, then. If He’s with me, there’s no way I’m a loser.”
“You got that right, son.” Eyes glistering, he hugged his grandson.
Kingdom Thinking. When I realized I was in the race of life, I froze. Then the Lord Jesus came to my rescue. He promises never to leave nor forsake me and He loves me with an everlasting love. He offers the same to you. Come to Him. Race on!