The Never Ending Fifty Yard Dash
Anne O’Donnell
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 NIV
There is an obvious difference between sprint running and long distance running. But what happens when we are asked to sprint run while on a long-distance run? How do we pace ourselves while straining to cross so many finish lines?
When I was young, all the students in the upper elementary grades were timed for running the mandatory fifty-yard dash. When my turn came, I burst forward at the sound of the starting signal with such speed, breaking the record of any classman who had run the same distance. I continued my dedication to running into my high school years, but many years later, after becoming a Christian, I experienced a different kind of running.
Eager to absorb biblical teachings related to setting goals, I studied specific verses correlating to determination, inner satisfaction, and victory. Then the battles came; broken relationship, health scares, family splits, spiritual growing pains, and personal defeats.
I learned to embrace these struggles as though they were God’s greatest gifts of opportunity to carry out His divine assignments. Yes, trials of many kinds will draw a person out of themselves, and into the realm where God stretches us. Each set of circumstances become a test of endurance to cross a finish line.
It is in surrender that we stand a chance of attaining his purposes for our lives. Unlike my fifty-yard dash in grade school, stepping up to multiple starting lines in life requires our understanding that God desires to conform us to His son Jesus.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, let us run arm and arm, cheering one another on in love and good deeds. Let us magnify the Lord together, and give shouts of praise for all he has done for us. Amen!
Anne is a freelance writer, mother of four, grandmother of three and a Digital Outreach volunteer for Focus on The Family. Contact
