Finding Happiness in Christ (Series 1)Sample

Smile when you lose

Behold, I have made your face strong against their faces, and your forehead strong against their foreheads. (Ezekiel 3:8)

The Indianapolis fast track is a world-famous auto racing track. It is the place where the 500-mile car race is held every year. Riding at high speed for 500 miles is a grueling test, the thing that will give birth to stories about heroes.

This is the story of Ralph de Palma, who was a great race car driver in 1912. He had a great chance of winning. When the race started, he was already ahead of his opponents. He led the race to about five more miles before the finish line. Success and the $35,000 prize money were almost at hand.

Suddenly something happened to his car engine. The mechanics jumped in to look for damage to Palma's car. It should not be anything serious. It's something they could repair. Palma and the mechanics pushed the car off the race track so that it would not get in the way of other cars. But suddenly, a car passed by to take the prize that was almost in Palma's grasp. It was a big disappointment.

Can you imagine what Palma did? He looked up and smiled at the crowd. A smile amid a situation like this showed that Palma was a hero more than all of his victories. He could smile amid defeat.

Reflection: A person who can smile in times of defeat and not blame the situation is more than a winner. We often say that we are more than conquerors in the Lord. However, if we still like to blame our circumstances as the reason for our defeat, and have difficulty being grateful and accepting the existing conditions, then we cannot be said to be more than conquerors. Let's learn to be thankful and tolerant.

God will teach you true joy amid sorrow. 

(Rick Warren)