The Race We Run

“May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,”- Colossians 1:11

Every July, hundreds of riders participate in a world renowned sporting event: The Tour de France. These athletes are give their all, and endurance plays a pivotal role in their success over the course of the month long event. If a rider gave everything they had in the first half of a stage, they would burn themselves out, they would have not the endurance to finish the race. Now go take a look in the mirror this morning: You too are in a race. The race we have been on since Day 1. Our race. We have faced challenges, traumas, heartbreak, pain, anxiousness, grief, and along the way, in this race, our Heavenly Father has been by our side. Through His power, His grace, and strength, we stand here today, more than conquerors (Romans 8:37), more than our past, we stand triumphant in His victory. We have endured, and seen joy in spite of heartbreak, comfort and peace in the midst of grief, and victory over death and the weapons meant for evil. And much like the Tour de France, it has always been a team effort. Family members, friends, mentors, role models, people placed in your life to support you in this race we call life, to help you when your tank is low, to hydrate you with words of life and encouragement, to see you through the ups, downs, and everything in between. This morning, give Him praise for the miracles when they didn’t seem possible, for the people who made you who you are today, for the Lord’s provision and endurance through each and every season, and ask Him for protection, for endurance for what is to come. Through it all, we will remain united, strengthened and held in the name of Jesus. Hallelujah.