“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” (1 Corinthians 9:24)
A few days ago, while surfing online, I came across the story of John Stephen Akhwari, a Tanzanian athlete. He was a world-class distance runner in the 1960s and early 70s. Akhwari was competing in the Olympic Marathon in Mexico City. At approximately 19 km into the 42 km race, some runners were jostling, and he fell badly. He wounded his knee, and his shoulder also hit hard against the pavement. His leg was bleeding, and his knee was dislocated. The medical staff urged him to withdraw, but he continued running. It was a mix of walking and a slow, limping run at points. He finished last over an hour later after all the 57 competitors had completed the race. Even though most people had left the stadium, a cheer came from the small crowd when he crossed the finish line. Later, when he was interviewed, he said, “My country did not send me 5,000 miles just to start the race; they sent me to finish the race.” In Hebrews 12:1-3, the Bible says that we should run with patience the race before us, knowing that Christ is the author and finisher of our faith.
We should not give up on the way. Instead, we should know we have been tasked to finish the race, not just start. Although Stephen might have prepared very well before the marathon and was declared fit for the race, something happened that made him unable to merge as the winner. But he set a standard by completing the race. We have been tasked with remaining faithful unto Christ to the end, no matter what may come our way. Though life is full of troubles and many occurrences, we should know that the race set before us is not for the feeble but for those who are determined to finish it. Though Stephen did not win the race, he fought a good fight and finished the race. He might have had what the apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith” in mind. Go ahead; there is no time to waste; the race is not yet over; keep moving until you finish. Amen.
The Bible in one year: Job 23:1-27:23 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11 Psalm 41:1-13 Proverbs 22:5-6
Prayer: I will steadfastly uphold my commitment to you, unwavering and resolute, no matter the difficulties or challenges that may arise on my journey. Regardless of the circumstances or trials I encounter, I am firmly convinced in my heart and soul that neither death nor life, nor any forces of this world, can ever sever the bond that we share. Our connection is profound and transcends all obstacles, standing strong against any adversity. Amen.
MORE STUDY: Psalm 14:1 | Proverbs 13:20 |
RELATED DEVOTIONAL
30 December, 2024
Run the Race and endure to the End
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” (1 Corinthians 9:24)
A few days ago, while surfing online, I came across the story of John Stephen Akhwari, a Tanzanian athlete. He was a world-class distance runner in the 1960s and early 70s. Akhwari was competing in the Olympic Marathon in Mexico City. At approximately 19 km into the 42 km race, some runners were jostling, and he fell badly. He wounded his knee, and his shoulder also hit hard against the pavement. His leg was bleeding, and his knee was dislocated. The medical staff urged him to withdraw, but he continued running. It was a mix of walking and a slow, limping run at points. He finished last over an hour later after all the 57 competitors had completed the race. Even though most people had left the stadium, a cheer came from the small crowd when he crossed the finish line. Later, when he was interviewed, he said, “My country did not send me 5,000 miles just to start the race; they sent me to finish the race.” In Hebrews 12:1-3, the Bible says that we should run with patience the race before us, knowing that Christ is the author and finisher of our faith.
We should not give up on the way. Instead, we should know we have been tasked to finish the race, not just start. Although Stephen might have prepared very well before the marathon and was declared fit for the race, something happened that made him unable to merge as the winner. But he set a standard by completing the race. We have been tasked with remaining faithful unto Christ to the end, no matter what may come our way. Though life is full of troubles and many occurrences, we should know that the race set before us is not for the feeble but for those who are determined to finish it. Though Stephen did not win the race, he fought a good fight and finished the race. He might have had what the apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith” in mind. Go ahead; there is no time to waste; the race is not yet over; keep moving until you finish. Amen.
The Bible in one year: Job 23:1-27:23 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11 Psalm 41:1-13 Proverbs 22:5-6
Prayer: I will steadfastly uphold my commitment to you, unwavering and resolute, no matter the difficulties or challenges that may arise on my journey. Regardless of the circumstances or trials I encounter, I am firmly convinced in my heart and soul that neither death nor life, nor any forces of this world, can ever sever the bond that we share. Our connection is profound and transcends all obstacles, standing strong against any adversity. Amen.
MORE STUDY: Psalm 14:1 | Proverbs 13:20 |
