"Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear." Philippians 2:12
It's much easier to stay on track when we have someone leading us in the right direction. Wouldn't you agree? Unfortunately, that's not always possible. Most times we are on our own to navigate the way and Paul warns us that "it is even more important" to be mindful to obey Christ when we are without a competent guide. What happened at the Mercedes-Benz Half Marathon last weekend is a reminder of how easily even the most experienced and disciplined people can "get lost" following the wrong leader. Peter Chebii was in the lead, positioned to win first place, with two runners (of the Brooks Hansons team) in close pursuit. They were following the pace car that was leading them along the course. Problem was, the pace car took a wrong turn.
As you can imagine, this cost Chebii a first place win. Although he managed to place second and the other runners claimed a third and fourth place victory, their actions cost them dearly. David Marley, who was in fourth place, stayed on the correct path and claimed the first place prize and the prize money. As you might imagine, the runners were quite upset and tweeted: @Run_Mercedes dropped the ball this morning in the HM. Lead vehicle took top 3 men off course in the last mile. Pretend it never happened? Valerie McLean, the vice chairman of the race said, "The course is very well marked," and added that the crowd was screaming at the runners but they kept on going. She then said that, "the race expects the athletes to do their homework prior to running the course."
The thing is, we can blame any number of things and people for our actions, for our straying off course or away from God. But, ultimately, we are responsible for our own salvation. It is our job to work hard and obey God and His Word-and to walk with Him so closely we cannot be turned"off course" by anyone or anything. By doing so, Philippians 2:16 tells us that we will, "be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain." How about you? Are you focused and "on course" today?
Heavenly Father, thank you for your word that gives us everything we need to stay focused and run the race set before us. May it be our greatest training tool and the words we crave daily to keep us from straying off course. We ask that you run the race beside us, guiding us and leading us along the paths of righteousness. May we stay completely focused on you that we would not be led down the wrong path. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org
http://www.runnersworld.com/general-interest/course-confusion-leads-to-a-surprise-winner-in-half-marathon
I will Run - Misty Edwards
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