Start, Stumble, Strive On

For many of us it felt as if 2021 started off with a stumble out the gate. Whether it was personal issues or items on a grander scale, it seemed as if this year was off to a rough start and would not end well.  Yet, it’s not how we start but how we continue and finish the race God sets before us. In 2016, Kenyan runner Geoffrey Kamworor was one of the favorites to win the World Half Marathon Championship. At the start of the race the rainy Welsh weather caused him to slip and fall down incredibly hard. He then proceeded to get trampled by other runners. Commentators immediately said, ‘what a shame he’s out of competition’. However, Geoffrey got up, ran hard, focused on his goal, and ended up winning the whole race. This is what God wants from us. He wants us to run focused on him and the goals he sets before us, regardless of the falls and tramples. What’s great is he gives us himself, our community, and examples of other “runners” to continue our own race. Hebrews 12:1-2 tell us, “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. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”