"I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." Philippians 3:14 (NLT)
If you have ever been to a marathon or watched one on TV, you might have seen the winner break the tape as they sprint across the finish line. There are actually two tapes, one for the male winner and one for the female. At last Saturday's Dallas Marathon, the coveted banner (for the female division) was ripped apart by someone other than the winner - something I've never seen before. The women's top finisher, Shitaye Gemechu from Ethiopia, was headed down victory lane ready to break the tape and claim her first place finish when she was passed (at the very last moment) by a relay runner, identified as Janice Moore, who had out-sprinted her (relay runners are typically a 5 person group with each member running 5 to 5.6 miles of the race). Gemechu told the Dallas Morning News, “I was disappointed a little, for a moment, I thought I lost. I didn’t know where she came from."
http://running.competitor.com/2014/12/news/dallas-marathon-winner-upstaged-relay-runner_119870
It was later determined that Gemechu was in fact the winner, as Moore was merely the "last leg" of a relay team (which came in 6th in the relay division). Although Moore apologized, the damage was done. Gemechu had lost out on claiming the victory (in the grandest fashion by breaking the tape) she had been running so hard for. The bible warns us how one person's actions can affect those around them. Galatians 5:7-9 (NIV) says, "You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” Paul is giving us a reminder to be careful and that, just as a little yeast causes a whole lump of dough to rise, listening to the persuasive words or advice of just one misguided person can spread and infect others. Any teachings contrary to what the Word of God tells us can keep us from obeying the truth.
In your run to the finish line, be careful to not let anyone or anything "cut in on you". By knowing the truth and staying focused on Christ, we can "press on to reach the end of the race for which God is calling us."
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us your Word to know the truth to run the good race before us. I pray that we would always be alert and ready to avoid anything or anyone that might cut in on us and keep us from claiming the heavenly price that you are calling us to. Be with us every step of the way Father, guiding our steps and providing us strength. We ask this in your precious name, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org
Run - Lecrae
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