Just Get In The Race

I struggle.  I am embarrassed by the mistakes and sins of my past.  I am even more ashamed of the wrongs I continue to commit.  I wallow in the despair created by my sinful nature.  How can I call myself a Christian or have any hope of any relationship with my Maker?

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”  Gal. 5:1. Yet, I forget that I am “free in Christ” because I let Satan deceive me into believing that I am nothing more than a product of my sinful nature or that I am defined by my sinful past.  We must remind ourselves that Christ died for you and me while we were yet still sinners; we have now been justified by his blood; and we have now been saved by his atoning act on the cross. Rom. 5:6-11.  In short, we are not desperately trying to become children of God; we are children of God—becoming more like Him through the work of the Holy Spirit.  

Pastor Tom loves to tell this story, and it has now become one of my favorite illustrations.  The story goes that the director of Ben Hur told Charlton Heston that rather than using a stunt double, he wanted to Heston to drive the chariot himself in the famous movie scene of the chariot race.  Heston agreed and then undertook weeks of strenuous chariot-driving lessons to ensure the scene looked as authentic as possible.  On the day that the chariot race scene was to be filmed, Heston went to the director embarrassed and with head hung low told him, “I think Ican drive the chariot alright, but I don’t believe I am good enough to actually win the race.”  With a sly smile, the director replied, “Heston, all you have to do is just get in the race, and I will make sure you win.”  

That’s God’s promise to us as well.  “Just get in the race, and I will make sure you win.”

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith… .” Heb.12:1.

Amazing Grace.  “Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come.  ‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.” Amen.

Carter