Pastor's Corner: Continue to run the race

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

— 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

Last Saturday, I competed in the Jim Bridger Trail Run near Bozeman. I have been running for years but on Memorial Day I decided to enter the 10-mile competition with less than four weeks to train for the event.

Because the race was in the mountains, I knew I would have to train for hills. I did not realize just how steep the mountains are by Bozeman.

On my first day of training I ran 13 miles just to make sure that I could go the distance. Then I worked on running up hills. I ran up the walking trail hill 10 times one day, worked out on the hills by the dike, climbed Mount Otis on Saturdays, raced up the hospital hill 10 times one day, did interval training at the high school track, ran 10 times up the hill by Havre Ice Dome, and worked in some cross training (roofing and treading water) along with some regular runs. I had prepared for the race as best as I knew how to and then I rested for two full days before the race.

The New Testament tells us to exercise ourselves unto godliness. There are times when we get caught up in the here and now that we forget that the best is yet to come. The trials and seasons of life can distract us from running the race to win the prize. My desire is that you and I hear “Well done, good and faithful servant” from our Father. I believe that we must be led by the Holy Spirit and walk with Him in order to be pleasing to God. Without faith it is impossible to please God.

On race day the event organizers shuttled three hundred people to the starting line. We arrived early and waited over an hour for the start. Some people probably started out too fast. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. The first two miles were on level ground. As new believers sometimes God gives us fairly easy first steps. Then the mountain challenged us.

My goal was to not walk any of the race. In the shuttle on the way to the race I heard one runner say that anyone who says they ran the whole race is a liar because it is so steep. I thought I still could run the entire race but, boy, was I wrong.

I had to slow at the water crossings for other racers and there were not a lot of good places to pass or be passed on the mountain. The first water stop was just before things got steep and then we were in a fight to the top of the mountain for the next four to five miles.

There were some people on the trail making sure you took the correct path and there were others who shouted encouragement as we passed by. Perhaps God is asking you to encourage someone else in his or her walk with Him.

At the top we were offered one more cup of water before the steep downhill trek of three miles. I cannot remember ever running so far and so fast downhill. Twice I almost missed the corners and three times I nearly fell and wiped out. At least seven other times I tripped or stumbled but was able to keep on my feet.

The Bible teaches us that though a righteous man may fall seven times the Lord God picks him up each time. I am thankful that I did not wipe out and need to be picked up.

As we neared the finish line there was still no place to pass. As we made the final turn I was able to just sneak past two racers. It was the highlight of my race. My wife was at the finish line to greet me. We met up with my oldest son and his boss and debriefed.

Who will be at your finish line when God calls you home? Hopefully those whose lives you have impacted in some significant way will welcome you along with angels. I know I was thankful for angels several times during the race when I could have fallen but was somehow able to regain my balance.

God watches over us. He still has work for you and I to accomplish. Let’s continue to run the race to win the prize.

May God bless you Big!