Learn from your mistakes

"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14 NIV

In an article published by Runner's World Magazine yesterday titled, "This runner's unfortunate mistake cost him his first place finish," the story of Matteos Bustos was told, It’s the kind of moment that many racers dread – slowing down as you approach the finish line, certain of victory, only to find someone behind you racing past to take the spot you thought was yours.That’s exactly what happened to one runner at the Sagunto Triathlon in Valencia last Sunday. In a video captured by a spectator, which has now gone viral, frontrunner Matteo Bustos can be seen slowing down as he approaches the finish line, punching the air in celebration. But as Bustos does so, his competitor Germán Cister speeds ahead from behind to claim the top spot for himself. Understandably embarrassed by a mistake that cost him the race, Bustos can be seen holding his head in his hands as he walks past the finishing line. And while most people resorted to heckling Bustos about his mistake on Twitter, Mark Clark decided to tweet this wise advice instead: ‘Finish the race, ~then~ celebrate. A hard lesson to learn; hope he takes it in stride.’

And you know, while the majority of us will never make mistakes that are big enough to go viral, we will make mistakes. And when we do, we would do well to learn from them and move on rather than wallow in them and stay put; something that Paul clearly understood. You see, Paul was a man who made many errors before he surrendered his life to the Lord. He was responsible for the persecution of thousands of Jews and even held the coats of those who stoned Stephen, the first Christian martyr. But the moment Paul realized his mistakes, he learned from them and pressed on determined to finish the race, winning countless souls and setting the world on fire with his preaching and his writing along the way. 

So if you're at a standstill because of a mistake or maybe even many mistakes that you've made today, let it go my friend. Repent of them, learn from them, and press on knowing that you are forgiven and free from the guilt and shame that comes with your misguided actions. Follow the example of Paul instead by choosing to serve Christ with all that you have "forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead" as you run with all your strength towards that final finish line. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we aren't perfect. We will all make mistakes. But when we do Lord, please remind us that we aren't destined to repeat them if we would only repent and learn from them. Help us to not look back at our wrong actions but to use our energy instead to strain toward what's ahead and the prize that awaits every good and faithful servant who has finished the race. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!