Run your race free from fear and empowered by the strength that God supplies with this devotional from Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone- “When I began performing on the world stage, I believed I was in control of everything! Well, I wasn’t! As I grew in my faith, I learned only God could save me! I began running my races—on and off the track—to the fullest.
HarperCollins/Zondervan/Thomas Nelson
Day 1
Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 3:4-5, 2 Peter 1:3, Psalms 50:6., 1 John 4:16
Grace for Every Hurdle
When I was young, I feared correction. Being told no or that I was wrong cut me to the core. I wanted people to always be pleased with me. When something came about that could derail that, it ate at me. Looking back, I think a lot of that came from my misunderstanding of God’s character. I often feared him—not because I understood the magnitude of His glory, but because I worried I would never live up to His standard. Yet that was right; I wouldn’t. Not on my own at least. God’s judgment comes from the reality that he is holy, so what does not honor his holiness goes against his nature. But those standards for how we ought to live, that God has given us through His word, are loving provisions to help us live a full life in godliness. Through His son, we have forgiveness…and that right there is God’s grace, love, and kindness.
While there is nothing wrong with trying to do one’s best, living in fear of failure or correction can get in the way of living a life that honors God. What I came to understand is that God’s intention is not for our lives to be perfect or for us to succeed in all we set out to do, but to know that win or lose, our heavenly Father’s love is unwavering for those who trust in His son, and that He supplies what we need for a godly life.
Reflect
Do you view God’s Word as rules and restrictions for your life or the ability to experience freedom by the knowledge of His glorious grace?
Pray
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for adopting me into your family. Lord, please grant me peace and grace for the areas of my life in which I fear failure. I know you see my heart’s intention in wanting to always put my best efforts forward. Would you grant me growth in my trust in your unwavering love as I walk out your plan for me—win, lose, or draw? In Christ’s name, I pray, amen.
Day 2
Scriptures: 1 Peter 1:3-9, James 1:2-4, 2 Timothy 3:12
Purpose in Your Hardships
So much can be learned from the hard times. They teach us wisdom. They cultivate patience. They make us more loving, kind, and generous if we allow them to.
As an athlete, I’ve won some races. But I’ve also suffered some devastating defeats. As I’ve mentioned, I used to be terrified of falling short, and the fear of doing so has held me back from so much in my life. What I didn’t know then is that God can redeem our failures and grant us wisdom from our experiences. In recent years, I have made decisions that I wish I could take back, experienced seasons that felt like they would never end in terms of hardship, and had overall difficulty in trying to muster up strength within myself.
Failures can be painful in the moment, but next time you fall short, try to imagine what God might be doing in your life. Lean deeper into Him to seek wisdom on how to conduct yourself moving forward. By doing this, you set yourself up to be spiritually connected to the vine and learn from the Word how Jesus handled the hurdles in his life.
Missionary and author Elisabeth Elliot once said, “Suffering is never for nothing.”[1] Another quote by her reads, “I realized that the deepest spiritual lessons are not learned by His letting us have our way in the end, but by His making us wait, bearing with us in love and patience until we are able to honestly pray what He taught His disciples to pray: Thy will be done.”[2]
As you endure your seasons of adversity, may your gaze be fixed upon Jesus so that by trusting in Him through it all, your heart may be strengthened to endure as we run this race of life.
Reflect
What have you learned from the difficult seasons in your life? Has your faith grown through them? Whether through prayer, reading, fasting, or community, how can your difficult seasons allow you to cling to God?
Pray
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the trials you have placed before me. As James says: they are a joy… for amid hardship, I can present my faith as genuine (James 1:2-4). Lord, please continue to be my sustainer in the middle of the storm. May my gaze stay fixed upon you, for Your grace is sufficient for today. In Christ’s name, I pray, amen.
Day 3
Scriptures: Romans 8:28, Isaiah 55:8-9
God is in Control
We all crave control. It is built into our nature. Born in sin, we are inclined toward selfishness. The more we get ‘our way’, the better place we believe the world will be. That was true of me throughout my life before being saved. There is so much unknown as an athlete. Results, conditions, unforeseen injuries. I just wanted control.
Now, I live with a clear appreciation and understanding that the best thing for my life is for God to be in control, not me. His ways are above my way, and his thoughts above my thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). Yes, I have a responsibility for how I conduct myself, what choices I make, and where my faith is placed. Still, there is peace, assurance, and joy for those whose trust is in the Lord. God’s will is perfect, even when we do not understand, and he works all things together for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). Make the most of your circumstances and opportunities according to his word, then leave the rest to God.
Reflect
What are you striving to control today that would be better left in God’s hands?
Pray
Dear heavenly Father, grant me grace as I continue learning how to relinquish control. I desire to become solely dependent on you for all things, Father. Teach me over this next season of life through Your Word and experience how much better life is when I leave it in Your hands. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.
Day 4
Scriptures: Luke 19:10, 1 Peter 1:4, Colossians 3:1-4, John 17:3, Romans 6:23
Life is Better with Jesus
When I say that life is better with Jesus, I truly believe that. For so long, I tried to run my life without him, control my destiny, and find happiness on my own. It didn’t work. I was anxious, depressed, frustrated, and lonely before Christ. My purpose seemed as plain as running around an oval for medals, yet that still didn’t sustain the longing in my heart. Jesus transformed my life; He transformed me. Through his death on the cross, his resurrection, and atonement for my sins, I am free to live in him for the rest of my days, anchored in the reality that one day all of the suffering, heartache, and turmoil of life will come to an end, and that those whose faith is in Him will get to spend eternity with him in glory. That is why I run the race of faith now. The true race. Not for my fame, not for my glory, but because Jesus has given me something far greater than medals, records, and notoriety; He has forgiven my sins and He has given me an imperishable inheritance. What is better than that? Nothing. Simply put, the value of knowing Jesus is far beyond gold.
Reflect
How is your life better thanks to the Savior? What hope has he given you for the future? If you have not yet placed your faith and hope in Jesus Christ, what is holding you back?
Pray
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your Son’s sacrifice on the cross. I know that I have done nothing to deserve such mercy and grace from such a holy God. Praise be to your name! Lord, I pray as I run this race of faith that I will not take your Son’s death for granted. Allow my heart to continue to be softened and my mind changed as I seek the things of you, for they are the power to save. I look forward to spending eternity with you in heaven, but until then, give me strength to press on for your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.