Many of us enjoy watching the Olympics, and we find that in most of the events, the athletes are racing against time and trying to be the first to win. It takes a lot of hard discipline and training to compete in the Olympics. The Word of God indicates that our Christian walk is like being in a race, and that if we accept the discipline and training, we will be better equipped to run the race to the finish line. This is what is written in Hebrews 12:5-8, and 11-13, the New Living Translation: "And have you entirely forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you, His children? He said, "My child, don't ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don't be discouraged when He corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes those He accepts as His children." As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as His own children. Whoever heard of a child who was never disciplined? If God doesn't discipline you as He does all of His children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really His children after all. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening – it is painful! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who trained in this way. So take a grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs. Mark out a straight path for your feet. Then those who follow you, though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall but will become strong."
We have to do what it takes to run this race we are in and reach the finish line. We are not thinking about running on foot, but driving a racecar. Picture yourself in the Olympics driving a racecar. (The Lord is moving faster in these "end times" and we need to speed up in order to keep up with Him.) You take off at the sound of the gun (that's the Holy Spirit telling you to take off.) Everything is going great, you are in a good position in the race. You turn your head for a spit second to look at the people in the stands; you lose focus, and miss a fast approaching curve. Having lost control, you tap the wall and blow a tire. You've got to make a fast pit stop! Everyone in the race has a pit stop. Remember, everyone in your pit stop is there to help you; they are cheering you on to the end. If you keep on going and bypass the pit stop, you will never be able to finish the race. At that pit stop there are four Persons on your team waiting to assist you (God the Father, Jesus the Word of God, the Holy Spirit the power of God, and your Guardian Angel). They move with unbelievable speed to replace that tire and get you back in the race. You are back on the track speeding up to a good position, again. You are doing fine when suddenly a stone pops up out of nowhere and cracks your windshield. This impairs your vision so you have to make another fast pit stop. Your team is on the ball; they have just what you need, a new windshield. They replace it with lightening speed and get you back on the track in record time. You make it around the track, completing all of your laps and make it across the finish line.
In this race of life if you miss the mark, if distractions and obstacles get in your wat, please don't bypass the Pit Stop. The Holy Ghost is waiting to give you the grace that you need and get you back on track. Accept the Father's discipline. Repent, ask God's forgiveness, know that you receive it and keep on going in the race, because it isn't over until God says it's over.
