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Greetings Family, When I was visiting my daughter and her family out west, we participated in an event in Portland called the Fun Run. The contestants met in downtown Portland, were given the names of some locations, instructed to pick up a ticket at each location and at the end of the run, the tickets were turned in for prize drawings at the end. Speed and knowing your way around the city would be the best way to get the most tickets to win the prizes. It was a lot of fun, and a good way to get some exercise and get to know that beautiful city better. The Bible often compares our earthly lives as a race. I was thinking of this very topic when I journaled the following:
"Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1
Contestants on game shows race against the clock. In a foot race, the athletes race against each other. Their courses are carefully marked out and each obstacle is deliberately placed in the most strategic location to accomplish a particular goal, or demonstrate agility on the part of the runner. In a marathon, there are places along the course where the spectators can view the progress to encourage and refresh the runners along their journey. There is nothing haphazard in the preparation of these courses - no impulsively placed obstacle,no last-minute changes. The designers go to great lengths to assure the desired results. If these course-mappers go to such great trouble to design the ideal course for marathon runners, how much more so does our Heavenly Father design the race set before us.
Although the human marathon planners design the course for an entire group of athletes, our Master Designer creates an individual course for each and every one of his children.
In this earthly life, we may sprint together for a season, but each ones map will look a little different. Our custom-designed course will provide rest stops for refreshment, and a cloud of witnesses to not only cheer us on, but to show us how to run well. Every single thing we need to finish well will be provided by the One who is familiar with our weaknesses and frailties; who knows ahead of time the things that would cause us to stumble; who gives us strength when we feel like we just cannot take another step.
When we break the tape at that finish line, there will be open arms belonging to the One with nail-pierced hands ready to welcome us home. What a glorious day that will be! That is what I wanted to say. Be encouraged this week that you truly never walk alone - He will never leave you or forsake you!