We’re All Winners, Together!

“… Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1

Help Me Run The Race

Before I was in full-time ministry, I worked at Christian Horizons. I assisted men and women who had developmental disabilities and taught them how to cook, clean, and manage their money. It was my favorite secular job, I was so blessed to get paid for something I loved to do. Many people I assisted had Down’s Syndrome; they were incredible, loving individuals and I learned so much working alongside them.

A few years ago I watched a video of a track coach who trained a little girl with down syndrome. He took her to a race that was organized by the Special Olympics and recalls watching her run past all of the other kids. He was astounded. She continued to preserver and was running in first place and he could see she was going to win.

But… as soon as she got to the finish line, she stopped and didn’t cross it. He was yelling at her, “Make one more step and you’ll win, you’re almost there.” He was getting frustrated because she kept looking behind her. Then the girl who was in second place stopped before the finish line and took the hand of the student and they both waited, together, until the girl in third place stood next to them, taking their hand. They waited until everyone was finished running. With all of them holding hands, they took one giant step and crossed the finish line together. She looked at her coach and said, “We’re all winners, together.”

This loving girl who was in a race had a “we-are-in-this-together” attitude and it is reminiscent of the people I worked with at Christians Horizons. They had such big hearts and ministered to me on so many occasions.

A Different Kind Of Race

It is imprinted in our minds that a race is a competition. If you have ever run a marathon, for instance, it is only human to desire to want to win first place. It would be an amazing accomplishment. However, the race we are running for God is so different, it is a race we run together to get to the same destination, for the same reward.

• I don’t want to be so preoccupied with my life that I keep running the race alone.
• When I see you fall I want to help you up.
• My desire is to cross the finish line with every one of you.
• You are on my team!
• We are winner’s together.

Today, if you see someone lagging behind spiritually, give them a helping hand and a word of encouragement. When God blesses them, rejoice with them. When they weep, sit with them and empathize with them (Romans 12:15). You are not alone in this race called life, let’s cross the finish line strong and be winners together.

Prayer: Lord, I don’t want to get to heaven one day all by myself, I desire to run the race with people, hand in hand, for Your glory. Help me to be an encourager and to see when people need a helping hand. When I grow weary, I pray You will give me strength.