You were running a good race

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? Gal. 5:7

Last night we had so much fun. Myself and four teens went to the local race track to see the races. Lots of cars going at high speeds and occasionally seeing some really incredible accidents made for some thrilling moments.

One of the best racers is known as "Smokin Joe". Smokin Joe is an old guy probably in his late sixties, skinny, and with a white beard that is about a foot long. They love him because no matter where he starts on the race track, he always finds his way to the front where he stays. He drives a bright orange #04 car.

Last night was no different, Smokin Joe was in the lead of the race with about 10 laps to go. Just as he came accross the start finish line the car behind him, #99, made contact and drove them both into the wall. The 99 car flipped over and gas was spilling out, smoke was flying and people feared for a fire. When the smoke cleared all the people saw Smokin Joe laying on the ground beside his car, he had managed to climb out but was a bit dazed. For Smokin Joe it meant the end of the night. He was not going to win this race and in fact would not finish the race.

I think that this same thing can happen to us in life as well. We can be running along and destined to win in our walk with the Lord. Then all of the sudden we get banged around by other people and find ourselves out of the race. We let our circumstances begin to determine how long we stay in the race. If that is you, get back in the race. Get back on track with God.

Well before the night was over, Smokin Joe did make his way back onto the racetrack. He was only able to race a couple of laps before his car finally gave up. But he made the effort to get back in the race. What a great example of what it meant to persevere.