Stories of Grace
Running The Race
I was so amazed at what I was seeing, that I began filming it with my phone. Her team had struggled to keep up with the other teams on the 4x200 relay at the biggest middle school track event of the year. When they handed Gwyn the baton for the anchor leg, the task appeared to be impossible. I believe this young lady, with her long powerful strides, was born to run.
I was at the meet that day as the “Designated Grandpa” since her parents were out of town, and no other grandparents lived in the area. Most of my grandchildren live in Michigan, and it is a blessing to be able to go and watch Gwyn and her siblings, Kellen and Emory, at their athletic events here in Georgia.
As she began her pursuit of the runner that was well ahead of her, it looked like she shifted to a gear that was higher than the other runners. There was no doubt in my mind that she would finish strong, which was the reason she had been assigned the anchor position.
Gradually, she began to close the gap on the group that was leading the race. As Gwyn reached the final turn, she closed to within a few yards of the leader. Filming it all with my cellphone, I began to cheer, not realizing that the phone was also recording my words. I wondered out loud if she had spent too much energy catching up. I had, at first, resolved myself to hoping that she would be satisfied in giving her best in what appeared to be an impossible situation. However, her steady progress soon convinced me to believe otherwise.
The last thirty seconds of this amazing race was a real heart-stopper as stride by stride she had closed the gap, pulled even, and eventually passed her opponent to take first place. What an exciting event to watch and what a dramatic, heart pounding victory to witness!
As I considered this special day, I realized that there was a greater application for me and for all of us. The Bible describes our lives as a race that oftentimes offers us difficult challenges. God expects us to give our all, and to run the race He has given us, all the way to the finish. His grace helps us run our race with patience, to finish strong, and to win.
Gwyn won her race by giving all she had with every stride. Step by step she gained ground and eventually won. I want to finish the race that is my life, by letting God help me with every step I take. I want to finish strong! How about you?
Isn’t God’s grace a wonderful thing!!
Roger Allen Cook
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
I love to write stories about God’s grace. If you have a story I should consider, please contact me at: Roger.Cook@SouthsideFamily.com.