We all make mistakes

"'No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you,"Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin.'" John 8:11 NIV

Canadian Running recently reported that Hagos Gebrhiwet, a former world champion, was proof that even the “best” runners make crucial mistakes. You see, on Friday evening at the Lausanne Diamond League 5000m race, Gebrhiwet crossed the finish line and, believing he had won, slowed down and raised his arms in victory. Unfortunately for him though, he had miscounted his laps and was one lap short of finishing and by the time he got back up to speed it was too late. Hagos traded the win for a 10th place finish. I bet he won't make that mistake again. But then again... 

And you know, we all make mistakes and fall into sin from time to time. There's just no getting around it. In fact, even the seemingly "best" Christians aren't immune to failure or repeating the same mistakes over and over. Thankfully though, Jesus didn't condemn us to the penalty of death those sins deserved but offered us forgiveness for them instead. Forgiveness that comes from true repentance, or sincere remorse and regret that's so great it motivates us to leave our "life of sin" once and for all.  

So if you've made a few mistakes, don't sweat it my friend. Ask for forgiveness, sincerely repent, and then jump back in the race. You and I may not come in first but we will definitely make it across the finish line. And finishing is what matters. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we will all make mistakes. Help us to easily and immediately identify those mistakes we make that repeatedly lead to sin Lord and then give us the strength to walk away from them. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Choices