Jeff and I ran in the Azalea Trail Run this weekend. We woke up at 5AM, showered, dressed and headed out the door to Mobile where the big race was happening. Excitement and exhaustion greeted each other in my stomach as we made the drive. Once we arrived, we picked up our registration packets, pinned on our numbers and headed to the start line.

We were packed in the starting line-up like sardines, literally standing room only. Well, except for that one runner who bent over directly in front of me to tie his tennis shoes. That was unpleasant for reasons I’m sure you can imagine.

Anyway, among those packed in around us was an older couple giving each other a pep talk. They did not look like the athletic type, she with her scared to death demeanor and he with his jogging/leisure suit attire. Of course, Batman was there too. Or a guy dressed just like him. To each his own I guess. But, no matter about all of that, it takes courage just to be there, so my best wishes were with them.

The older couple was standing so close and he was talking to so loudly that it was impossible to miss the end of the pep talk he was giving his running partner. I don’t think I’ll forget it for a long time. He said, and I quote, “if I fall down, you keep running on to victory.” At first I chuckled at how serious he was when he said it. It sounded so “warlike,” like those around me were going to be dropping like flies so I better be on guard and be brave.

But I was also captured by his statement and I thought to myself, that is exactly what I want to tell those in my life. Keep going! If I am suddenly not there, keep going. Sure, check to see if I’m okay, and then keep going. I will have my ups and downs, my good and bad days, keep going. That’s the road to victory, and all who are dedicated enough to make it to the end will be winners.

Champions in Christ.

I have no idea where you are in your in your race, the circumstance that God has placed you in. If you are at the start line or well into the mileage, don’t quit. Don’t be dismayed by who may or may not be running beside you. Just keep your pace, stay strong, breathe, pray, stay in the Word and run on to victory.

I never did see that old couple again, there were so many people there. I kept looking for someone who might’ve fallen, but there were none. I have to believe they both made it to the end and kept on going.

Right on to Victory.

Prayer:  Father, help me to keep my eyes on You. There are many good people in my life, but none who can compare to You. They will let me down, whether they mean to or not, and I will most certainly let them down. Help me to keep putting one foot in front of the other and to stay the course. I need Your strength and wisdom each and every day, each and every step. You are the prize I run for and my Champion. I love you. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Scripture: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” I Corinthians 9:24