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Written by Max Lucado, a contemporary pastor and author. This is an excerpt from his book “In the Footsteps of the Savior.”

The word race is from the Greek word agon, from which we get the word agony. The Christian’s race is not a jog but rather a demanding and grueling, sometimes agonizing race. It takes a massive effort to finish strong. Likely you’ve noticed that many don’t. Surely you’ve observed there are many on the side of the trail. They used to be running. There was a time when they kept the pace., But then weariness set in. They didn’t think the run would be this tough. Or they were discouraged by a bump and daunted by a fellow runner. They may be Christians. They may come to church, but their hearts aren’t in the race. They retired before their time. Unless something changes, their best work will have been their first work, and they will finish with a whimper.  By contrast, Jesus’ best work was his final work, and his strongest step was his last step. Our Master is the classic example of one who endured. The writer of Hebrews goes on to say that Jesus “held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him” (Hebrews 12:3). The Bible says Jesus “held on,” implying that Jesus could have let go. He could have quit the race. But he didn’t. He “held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him.”

Prayer:

Written by Roy Lessin, a contemporary writer. This is an excerpt from his book “His Footsteps, My Pathway.”

Lord, You are my strength, my sanity, my security, my salvation. Your hand upholds me, Your grace sustains me, Your power supports me. Keep my feet moving forward, keep my faith looking upward, keep my hope pointing homeward. Make a roadway through every rugged mountain, make a pathway through every stormy sea, make a highway through every dark valley. I do not put my faith in my own timetable but in Your perfect plan. LORD, however long it takes, I will trust You I receive Your grace to endure all things with pleasantness of spirit, calmness of soul, and thankfulness of heart.”