Pastor's Ponderings: October 21, 2013

In my first Pastor’s Ponderings in August, I shared that I was eagerly preparing for a 13.1 mile half-marathon race this fall. On Sunday, I finally ran that race with two of my daughters. This was the longest race that I have ever run and while waiting for thestarting gun, I was happy, terrified, nervous, and somewhat ready. In spite of the cold, hills, and fatigue, we finished! It was fantastic!All of the preparation, pain and sacrifice were worth it when we crossed the finish line together while holding hands.

This race reminds us that we are all having difficulties and challenges trying to reach various goals. Some of us are running for our career, family, or just to get through the day. While we may feel surrounded by trouble, if we continue to run keeping our hands in God’s hands, we will cross the finish the line with Him victoriously. He carries us when we struggle, supports us when we waver, and strengthens us when we were weak.

One day we will cross our final earthly finish line and have our life reflected before us. Did we cast all of our cares upon Him or did we allow ourselves to be consumed by our challenges? Did we keep our hands in His hands or did we place our trust and hope in others?

We must remember that our final medal is our reunion with Christ and our daily struggles will be a distant memory. Just like Esther Kerr Rushthoi wrote in her famous song, “It will be worth it all when we see Jesus! Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ.” Today let us persevere with our hands in His hands knowing that all of these things that are so important for us today will seem so small when we
see Jesus.

Hold His hand and keep running for your greatest reward, Jesus Christ our Savior!

Hebrews 12:1, 2
NIV

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith…

Titus 2:13
NIV

While we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

Psalm 55:22
NIV

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.