Solomon said, “The race is not always to the swift or the battle to the strong…..” (Ecclesiastes 9:11) Generally it’s expected that the swift win the race and that the strong win the battle, but that’s not always the case.
Usian Bolt is a Jamaican sprinter who has won numerous Olympic medals. He’s known as the fastest person to ever run the 100 meters and the first man to hold both the 100 and 200 meter world records at the same time.
I ran track in high school and in college. I didn’t always win, but I always finished the race. Many of you reading this have participated in marathons or other running events like 5K races. Long distance races can be tiresome and difficult to finish. Some involve going up and down hills and different terrain. The biggest obstacle encountered throughout these races is oneself.
Some people run the entire way, some do a combination of running and walking, and yet others walk the entire way. If you speak with any of these people, they will tell you the most excilirating experience is finishing the race.
Paul faced all types of struggles establishing churches. He would spread the gospel from Corinth to Ephesus, from Thessalonica to Colossae facing opposition and dangers throughout his travels.
No matter what, Paul never retreated. He kept going. Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7 NIV) When we face hardships and struggles in our faith, remember Paul. His anchor was in Jesus Christ.
Resource(s): Personal Bible study, the story resources and the Bible (NIV)
