Don’t Put Off the Decision

"We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 NKJV

In a heartbreaking story posted by Runner’s World on Tuesday, it was reported that Rachel Apa was nearing the end of her first New York City Marathon when she collapsed in Central Park on Sunday, November 1. The 24-year-old had spent months putting in the work needed to conquer 26.2 miles, but never made it across the finish line. Instead, she was taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center, where she died later that night.

Apa, a Bucknell University alum who lived in central Pennsylvania, came to New York to run with Parkinson's Foundation Champions, raising money in memory of her grandfather, who died from the disease in 2022.

According to reporting from The New York Times, the medical emergency happened around 1:30 p.m. close to Mile 24, around 85th Street, right as runners enter the final stretch through Central Park. Several spectators rushed to help and began performing CPR. New York Road Runners medical staff arrived shortly after, and tried to resuscitate her with a defibrillator before paramedics took her to the hospital…

Doctors spent hours trying to save Rachel. Her father, Steve, told the newspaper she was pronounced dead around 9:40 p.m.

"It's unfathomable," he told the newspaper. "Perfect health, perfect shape, 24 years old."

Steve told the Times that his daughter died from rhabdomyolysis, which occurs when damaged muscle tissue breaks down and releases substances into the bloodstream. The condition can cause serious kidney damage and, according to the Cleveland Clinic, can be triggered by extreme physical exertion.

And you know, Rachel's death is a heartbreaking reminder of just how fragile life is and how quickly everything can change. At only 24 years old, she had her whole life ahead of her. She had trained for months, made plans for the future, and was just over two miles away from accomplishing something she had worked so hard for. But in an instant, everything changed.

And while we don't know what tomorrow holds, or even what the next moment might bring, this story reminds us of this... not one of us is guaranteed another breath.

That's why Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 are so important. When he said, "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation," he was urging people not to put off accepting God's gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. You see, salvation is available to everyone who repents of their sins and places their faith in Jesus Christ, but the opportunity to make that decision will not last forever.

And that's something you and I simply cannot afford to ignore or to share. 

You see, the Bible tells us in Hebrews 9:27 that, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment." This means that when our earthly lives come to an end, our eternal destiny is settled. There are no second chances to repent after death. 

And as difficult as it might be to hear, those who die in their sins, having rejected Jesus Christ as their Savior, will not inherit eternal life.

Jesus Himself warned us of this when He said, "Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." (John 8:24 NKJV)

This is why the decision to follow Jesus is the most important decision you will ever make. More important than your career, your relationships, your accomplishments, or any goal you could ever achieve. Because while all those things matter here on earth, only your relationship with Jesus Christ determines where you will spend eternity.

And here's the beautiful thing. God doesn't want anyone to perish. Second Peter 3:9 tells us that the Lord is "not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." That's why He sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins, making a way for us to be forgiven and reconciled to Him. Salvation isn't something we can earn by being good enough or doing enough good things. It's a gift of grace received through faith in Jesus Christ.

But it's a gift we must personally receive.

So let me ask you something. If your life ended today, would you be ready to stand before God? Do you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior? Or have you been putting off that decision, assuming you'll have plenty of time to make it later?

If so, please don't wait!

As runners, we spend countless hours preparing to cross a finish line. We train, sacrifice, and discipline ourselves because we know how important it is to be ready when race day comes. But how much more important is it to prepare for the finish line of life? After all, we know when a marathon is scheduled to end. We have no idea when our earthly race will be over.

And while we can always sign up for another race if we miss one, we cannot go back and make the decision to follow Christ once our lives have ended.

So, if you haven't accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, I urge you to do it today my friend—because tomorrow isn't promised, the next moment isn't guaranteed, and eternity is far too long to be wrong about where you will spend it. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the free gift of salvation that You provide to all those who choose to accept You as Savior and to turn from their sins. Lord, help us to be bold as we work alongside You to plead with the lost to receive Your gift of grace while they still have time, knowing there will be no second chances after death. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!