Stay In or Give Up?

James 1:3 “The testing of your faith develops perseverance.”

In life, not many of us end up either where we thought we would be, or doing what we thought we would be doing. But we are where we are, and we’re somehow still making progress. Georgene Johnson was 42-years-old when she ran the Cleveland marathon… by accident. She thought she’d lined up for the 10km, but she simply kept on going with the others for another 32km to complete in just over four hours. She later said: “This isn’t the race I trained for. This isn’t the race I entered. But, for better or worse, this is the race I’m in.”

We may face situations we feel ill-equipped or qualified to deal with, but the Lord allows us to face them to develop our faith and dependence in him. Charlton Heston was the star of the movie Ben Hurr. Cecil B. DeMille as producer wanted Heston to learn how to drive a chariot for the all-important chariot race towards the end of the film. It would lend greater authenticity to the production. Heston was willing to take driving lessons, but learning to drive a chariot with horses four abreast was no simple matter. “I think I can drive the chariot all right, Cecil,” said Heston, “I’m not at all sure I can actually win the race.” DeMille replied with a grin: “Heston, you just stay in the race, and I’ll make sure you win!”

That’s what God says to you today. You may be way out of your comfort zone, doing things you never thought you’d have to do. You may think others could do it better, so you want to step down and give up. But no, the testing of your faith develops perseverance. He’s the Great Director, so listen to him: “Just stay in the race, and I’ll make sure you win!”

Lord, help me stay in the race today, for your glory. Amen!