Monday, August 7, 2017

Everyone should do it

"Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves." Romans 15:1

Jesse Orach (left) of Gorham is helped across the Beach to Beacon 10K finish line by Rob Gomez of Windham on Saturday. Orach, who won the Maine division of the race, had collapsed just short of the finish line and runner-up Gomez helped him across.

Former University of Maine runner Jesse Orach was competing in the Beacon to Beacon 10k when the effects of the 90 percent humidity level caused him to collapse just short of the finish line. And just when Jesse thought the race was over, he said he felt someone pick him up. That someone was Robert Gomez, a runner in second-place, who helped Orach to his feet and then to the finish line where they crossed together. It was later determined that Jesse had suffered a heat stroke with his core body temperature reaching a dangerous 107.3 degrees. 

You know Gomez could have easily ignored Orach and taken advantage of the weakened runners' condition to pass him and claim a first-place finish. Many other people would have. But bearing the "the weaknesses of those without strength" is exactly what the Bible commands us to do. It means that strong, or mature, Christians are to lift up or help weak, or immature, believers so they can grow in their knowledge and faith. It's having that selfless attitude that says, "Let me stop and help you so we can both finish the race."

We could all learn from what Gomez did. Wouldn't you agree? And then do well to remember that winning doesn't always mean being at the top of the podium but doing the right thing. Robert later said, "I’m not a special person... I really hope that people see it as something that everyone should do." And I couldn't agree more. Helping others is something everyone, especially Christians, should do. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for those people who are willing to forego immediate rewards for eternal ones. May each one of us be an example to others of what it means to be a Christian and to put aside our wants and desires to pursue yours. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Brother - NEEDTOBREATHE







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