Running The Race To WinSample

When I was in college, two friends asked if I would join their triathlon team. One friend ran, the other swam, and I was left to do the twelve-mile bike ride. Being a natural athlete, I agreed without a second thought. The day of the race came and I started off on a borrowed bicycle with ease. Pushing myself, I soon reached an energetic peak. I was actually beginning to feel like a pro until something suddenly whizzed past me at a rapid pace. It was another rider.

From then on, the race went downhill. About two miles in, the cramps began. I leapt off the bike, grasping my side. On a nearby picnic table, I rested for several minutes attempting to catch my breath. Determined to catch up to cyclists, I started again. About halfway through the race, my left calf decided to seize up in the most painful cramp I have ever felt. Ten minutes later, I started again, this time only pushing as hard as I dared without risking another cramp. Finally nearing the last hill, my right leg decided it was its turn to cramp up. I cringed. With burning legs, a sore body, and a beaten will, I stepped off the bicycle. After facing so much agony, I ended the race at only a fraction of the pace at which I began. I walked my bike up the final hill.

Have you ever considered why it’s sometimes so hard to be a Christian? It can be easy to start something new for the kingdom of God, only to feel like giving up soon afterwards. The problem with my race did not have to do with my natural athletic ability, energy levels, or passion to finish. The problem I was facing was plain and simple: I was not a cyclist.

Some of us are trying hard to live for the Lord, but we are doing it in our own strength. God does not want us to drain ourselves for His kingdom. He wants to change who we are. Once our identities are transformed, the rest comes naturally. If I had been a cyclist, I would have easily conquered those twelve miles. When we become “little Christs” through faith, His life dwells in us. God wants to put Jesus inside of us, so that when times get hard, Jesus’ strength carries us.

We receive Christ as our new source of strength and identity in life by believing in His loving sacrifice on the cross. Through the work of the Holy Spirit in us, He is able to accomplish through us what we could never do on our own.