“Anyone who hears my words and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on rock.”
-Matthew 8:24
In reviewing results from New Year’s road races this year, I noticed a few that were prediction runs. Unlike typical road races, the awards in a prediction run do not go to the person with the fastest overall time or for an age group. The winner in a prediction run is the one who finishes with the time closest to what they listed before the race started.
In life, the race we are running as Christians cannot be run as a typical race; it lasts 365 days a year, and the finish line always looks far away. All we know is that one day God will ask each of His followers if, in their race, did they do what they said they would? In answering God’s call, the best way to train is by competing WITH each other, not AGAINST, in order that we might maximize the unique talents we’ve each been given.
In James 1:12, we are told, “Blessed is a man who endures trials, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that He promised to those who love Him.” That prediction, given to us by God, is clear.
Today, ask yourself where you stand in the race. How is your pace? Do you need to slow down and evaluate? Do you need to pick it up? Eventually, when the time comes, we all want to be able to share in the victory by saying, “Yes, Lord, the predictions You set for me have been accomplished.”
1. What was your prediction when you began your run as a Christian? Is it the same today?
2. During the race, do you plan “water breaks” for refreshment?
3. Whom do you want as your teammate(s) if you know that this is going to be a lifelong race?
4. If God asked today, would you be able to say yes to His predictions for you? If not, what needs to be done?
2 Corinthians 1:8-19
Galatians 6:1-2
