"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12
While participating in the Austin Marathon Sunday, Lani Martinez was hit by a car right after passing mile marker 17 near Shoal Creek Boulevard. She reported that everything was going great until, "All of a sudden I felt my lower back with an impact.. and I just hit pavement." While she suffered a concussion, she had no broken bones and was released from the hospital after a few hours. Once she's healed, Martinez plans to finish where she left off, starting at mile 17 and running to the finish line to claim her medal. In a comment to the race organizers allowing her to do so, she said, "I'm glad that they're giving me a chance to finish to show her [her daughter], we're not quitting just because I got hit by a car, but you can still finish what you started off too."Talk about not letting anything stop you. James 1:12 tells us that the same type of relentless pursuit it takes to cross the finish line is the same effort it takes to claim the crown of life saying, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." Though our trials and setbacks will be different for you and me, the meaning of what it is to persevere is the same for all of us-defined as: to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly. That, my friends, is what you would call a relentless pursuit of the prize.
Are you persevering in your pursuit of following Christ today? Or have you let pain, struggles or hardships pull you out of the race? It's not too late to jump back in and finish what you started you know? Persist, maintain and continue running to the finish line where, when you have stood the test, you will receive the "crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so relentlessly that you would allow us chance after chance to get back in the race and pursue a relationship with you. Help us to persevere today in spite of difficulty, obstacles and discouragement today-to continue steadfastly until we claim the prize of eternal life with you. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!.
Mandisa - Press on
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