Wilma Rudolph was the 20th of 22 children in her family. She was born prematurely and doctors didn’t expect her to survive. She made it, but at age four, she contracted double pneumonia and scarlet fever, which left her left leg paralyzed. At age nine, she simply took off her metal leg brace she had depended upon for the past five years and began walking without it. By thirteen, she had developed a rhythmic walk, which doctors said was a miracle. That same year, she decided she wanted to begin running. She entered her first race and came in last. For the next three years, she came in dead last in every race she entered. But, she kept on running until the day finally came when she won a race. Eventually, the little girl who was not supposed to live and then who was not supposed to be able to walk would win three Olympic gold medals! Here was a young girl who did not quit no matter how difficult the road was – and she came out a champion!
In the Christian life, God never promised us it would be easy. If it was easy, it would require no faith or trust in Him. In fact, He tells us, this life will be difficult at times, Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
“Take courage; I have overcome the world…”. Notice He did not say – “but you can make it!”….He said, “I have overcome…” When we trust completely in Him, it doesn’t matter how difficult the road may be. All He wants is for us to TRUST HIM COMPLETELY.
Yes, as many people say, “It’s impossible to live the way God commands us in the Bible.” And it IS Impossible – WITHOUT GOD! However, the Bible reminds us, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13).
Our main problem usually is, we try to live the Christian life OUR way. We try to force Jesus into OUR life, but it will NEVER work that way! We have to let Him have COMPLETE control of EVERYTHING. Only then can we come out CHAMPIONS!!
Yes, it’s NOT easy, it takes discipline, it requires COMPLETE trust in God, and we CANNOT do it alone. But, don’t let ANY of those things stop you from running the race God has set before you!
Keep Going, Keep Trusting, Keep Praying, and Keep Obeying!! You’ll come out a Champion in God’s eyes! And after all – that’s ALL that matters, how we come out in GOD’s eyes!
Let’s finish this race with JOY!!