"... because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay." 1 Peter 1:3,4 NLT
With the help of Westley, Waffle and Gus, Thomas Panek, president and CEO of Guiding Eyes for the Blind, made history on Sunday when he became the first blind runner to complete the New York City Half Marathon with the help of guide dogs. An avid runner, Panek enlisted the help of volunteer human guides to help him complete 20 marathons when he lost his eyesight in his early 20's. Still, Panek missed the feeling of independence, which ultimately inspired him to start a formal training program for running guide dogs."It never made sense to me to walk out the door and leave my guide dog behind when I love to run and they love to run." But you know, had Panek used blindness as an excuse to deter him from running, he never would have crossed that finish line or started an organization to help others do the same. That certainly would have been a shame. Don't you agree?
But do you know what's really a shame? People choosing not to follow Jesus and missing out on all the benefits. Sure, it will be hard. The Bible clearly tells us that. But the Bible also tells us that those who choose to follow Christ, without excuse and in spite of the hardships, will "have a priceless inheritance," an endowment so valuable that its value cannot be determined, waiting for them in heaven. And you can be sure this inheritance of an eternal life spent with the Savior will be worth staying faithful amidst the trials and tribulations of this life.
So if you haven't made the decision to follow Jesus, don't make excuses as to why you shouldn't do it right now my friend. After all, there are no guarantees any of us will see tomorrow and it would truly be a shame if you missed the opportunity.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise that all who have put their trust in You will one day spend eternity with You. Help us to truly grasp just how long eternity is that those who have not made the decision to follow You would toss the excuses and do it today. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
No turning back - Brandon Heath
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