Finishing? Ancient Greeks pioneered competitive running, notably the torch relay in Athens. Runners, each carrying a tar-coated twig bundle, ignited their torches from a common flame. The race demanded balance: too fast extinguished the flame, too slow consumed the tar. Victory depended on endurance, not just speed or strength.
Think about it. Entrusted with a torch symbolizing our earthly race, God urges us to run despite the burden. Does quitting become tempting as endurance wanes?
God’s Word tells us: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).
Some races belong to the fleet and some to the strong. Some belong to those who are willing to endure all to finish. These are the torch races, the ones that are designed to test mind and body completely. Endurance contests, pitting the New Man’s will to stay the course and trust God will challenge him. Torch races have little to do with how quickly and straight you run, just finishing.
We pray. “Heavenly Father, grant us the strength to endure the torch races of life. In these trials, help us to persevere with unwavering faith. May we not seek speed or perfection but focus on finishing the race, trusting in Your support. Guide us, O God, as we run the course set before us. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.”
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34)
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