As the grind of the season winds down, we have an opportunity to look back and see the places and opportunities where we have overcome challenges during the season. These challenges shape and form our opinions of ourselves and others. The obstacles we face go beyond the racetrack and into our personal lives. As the offseason approaches, are we preparing to persevere? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The first race I attended was the 1986 Summer 500 at Pocono. Perseverance was abundant in the race. The day was a challenge from the start, as fog plagued the area, delaying the start and then shortening the race. There was a lot of perseverance just to get the race in. Tim Richmond spun coming off turn three, and his transmission was stuck in reverse. He managed to spin the car out entirely and put it into high gear. After losing a lap, he came back to beat Ricky Rudd by a mere few feet to win the race. If this sounds familiar, it was famously dramatized in the movie “Days of Thunder.” How did he win the race? With teamwork and perseverance.
Paul talks about the spiritual benefits of persevering in his letter to the Galatians. “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Galatians 6:9 NLT. Have we allowed God to work and move in our own lives so that we are working for good? Unseen forces are trying to stop us from doing good. The challenge is not small or insignificant; rather, it is a spiritual battle we must arm ourselves for.
That armor involves a process of us knowing and seeking God on a deeper level each day. Are we praying? Are we reading His Word? Are we trusting Him and turning over every part of our lives to Him? As we do these things, God will reveal more of himself to us. As trials come our way, we will be better equipped to handle them as we carry the wisdom and presence of God with us. Paul took a great view of this in his letter to the Romans. “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” Romans 5:3-4 NLT. Note that Paul doesn’t say “if” we run into problems and trials, but “when”. The Christian life isn’t guaranteed to be problem-free; we just have an advocate and a helper on our side to guide us through those times.
Perseverance in racing may bring us a checkered flag at the end of the race, or for the select few, a championship trophy at the end of the season. These things may etch our names into a record book, but it’s God’s book that matters. After doing all he could to secure the Whelen Modified Tour Championship at Martinsville, race winner and championship runner-up Justin Bonsignore had a broader perspective, stating that having his wife and kids present with him was what really mattered. While this battle didn’t end the way he hoped, he realized he already had a huge prize.
Trials come in a wide variety of levels, but each one offers us an opportunity to seek God, praise Him, and then walk things out in a manner that brings Him glory. Perseverance through trials that aren’t quick can be difficult, but the refinement and blessing we can gain from them will have eternal benefits. James, Jesus’s half-brother, was critical of Jesus while Jesus was alive. That shifted once James encountered the resurrected Jesus. James saw the complete picture of the Kingdom of God. He understood that persevering in our faith was critical to our growth. He writes: “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 NLT James persevered right until the end of his life. He died for his belief, being one of the early martyrs for the faith.
As the “off-season” begins to kick off, what are we doing? How are we preparing for the trials that lie ahead of us? What can you do now that will put you in a better spiritual situation for tomorrow? How about picking up the Bible or listening to it? A new daily devotional can go a long way in preparing our hearts and minds for both the hills and valleys of the race season and the seasons of life. As we do, there will be a change in us that even others will begin to recognize. The author of Hebrews sums it up in this “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT.
Where do we get the focus and energy to persevere? Through Jesus. By keeping our eyes on Him and imitating Him, we will overcome obstacles and have peace in Him that truly surpasses all understanding.
Run the race in such a way as to win, throw off everything that hinders, and focus on Jesus. Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember that your prayerful support and donations help us continue this ministry. Thank You.
