- Some start strong but finish weak. During the first half of the race, many runners ran past me. But as we neared the finish line, some were bowing out or barely making it. I still had a bit of energy left and was able to pass quite a few in the final miles. In ministry, I’ve seen some who began with great enthusiasm but, sadly, never followed through.
- Some are small but run as well as—or better than—the biggest. I ran beside a short woman for a while, less than three feet tall, who finished ahead of me. I think she took three steps for every one of mine! Other runners towered over my six-foot frame, but this had nothing to do with the final outcome. In the ministry, you can never predict future faithfulness by outward appearance.
- You can push through pain if you keep the finish line in sight. In ministry, there will be painful moments and deep disappointments, but keeping our focus on Christ—the Author and Finisher of our faith—enables us to endure and keep running with joy.
- The encouragement of friends helps immensely. There was so much friendliness throughout the race. I saw two girls running together, with several friends along the route handing them supplies. Every few miles, cheerful volunteers offered water, Gatorade, and gels. Toward the end of my race, my son and son-in-law joined me, urging me to keep pushing forward! In ministry, friends play a crucial role in helping, encouraging, and advising us. I’m grateful for faithful friends who, for many years—whether present in person or connected digitally—have provided steady spiritual encouragement.
- The greatest enemy can be the mind. Once the mind starts dwelling on the pain, fearing a mishap or dreading the distance, the race can unravel quickly. Many runners don’t finish because they can’t master their thoughts. In ministry, the fiercest battles also happen in the mind. If our thinking isn’t guided by truth, all kinds of trouble can follow. The mind can be either a powerful ally or a dangerous enemy.
- Clear signs are vital to a good race. I didn’t want to reach a crossroads and waste time trying to figure out which way to go. Thankfully, the organizers did a great job placing clear signs and instructions in strategic spots. That freed us runners to do what we came to do—run! In ministry, God has also given us unmistakable directions and guideposts for our walk with Him, for church planting, and for evangelism. Without the Word, the Christian life and ministry would descend into chaos.
- Eating along the way is essential. Every runner seemed to have some form of nutrition—water, sports drink, or energy gel. Long-distance running burns through calories quickly, and without replenishment, you’re bound to “hit the wall” and possibly quit altogether. In ministry, we likewise need to feed continually on the Lord and His Word. Without spiritual nourishment, the needs of people, financial pressures, and seasons of little visible fruit can leave us drained and defeated.
- What we fear often never materializes. Sometimes we dread problems that never actually occur. I was certain my hip flexor strain would flare up and make finishing impossible, but after the two hours it nearly faded away—perhaps just overshadowed by new aches in my legs and feet! Every ministry faces its own unique trials. Yet if Christ truly is the Head of the church, we can trust Him to choose which battles come and when—and to give us the grace and wisdom to face them.
- Post-race soreness is softened by the satisfaction of finishing. During the race, especially toward the end, the pain keeps rising! Still, I remember forcing myself to focus on the thought that it would all change once I crossed the finish line. And it did. Though I can hardly move even seven hours later, the lingering discomfort carries a sense of honor. The satisfaction of finishing well is worth it. Every servant of the Lord should bear his scars and aches with grace and patience, knowing that one day he will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” when he crosses his own finish line.
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Does the Lord care about names? Ask Abram, Sarai, Jacob, Simon, and even Paul. What importance does God give to His own Name? Do you think He is interested in yours? Considering the plans He has for it, I think so! One of the hardest things we will ever do is remain still when everything inside us is screaming to move. When we’re hit with jolting news, our minds race for solutions, as if everything depends on us. But God calls us to control our thoughts—to steady them instead of letting them run wild, to stop and think, to be still, and know. Our peace depends on it. Everybody’s world shakes sooner or later. If you’ve lived long enough, you can likely recall a moment when yours did—and exactly where you were when it happened. The sons of Korah offer wisdom for these life-altering moments. Whether we follow their guidance or not will determine whether we are refined like gold or descend into despair. When trouble hits, what is my first response? It may be hard to control that first thought, but it is entirely possible to determine what the second one will be. It is then and there that the road to victory or defeat begins. The first and last words of Psalm 46:1 are key to understanding how I should proceed as a believer. The last one describes the context: TROUBLE; the first one gives the response: GOD When I am smacked with a problem, how have I chosen to respond? If this decision is not made in advance, my flesh will take the lead every time. How important it is to fix our eyes on God, who is our refuge against the external enemy as well as our strength for the internal struggle. People are used to singers who toot their horns and promote themselves. That’s what many do. Billions of dollars exchange hands as musicians showcase their talent. However, when someone starts singing the praises of another, there is a different response—heads turn and ears perk up. Even in a secular society, if an individual exalts the Lord, there will be some positive reaction. We may not always notice it, but it will be there. All around us, unseen, are people whose hearts quietly yearn for God. They are often hidden from sight behind a veil of self-sufficiency and modern attire, but sometimes a Christian’s praise is just what can draw them out of hiding. Do not despise the power of praise. Keep praising the Lord and be assured that it is a powerful testimony. If you have never been in a nasty, slimy pit, you may have a hard time relating to someone who worships God for getting him out of one. You might think they are exaggerating a bit or just asking for attention. It is important for those of us who were fortunate and prevented by grace from growing up in a godless home to respect and appreciate the deep gratitude of others. Were it not for the Lord’s kindness, we, too, would be wearing those scars or fighting ugly memories of the past. The Psalmist’s song is an invitation to praise the Lord for the amazing grace that protected us from or brought us out of the hideous hole of sin.
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Humorous stories from 50 years on the mission field!
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