Racing for fun or for a living is stressful. The nature of the deal is that our life is on the edge. When you are at the track everything seems to run at 100 miles an hour. This year with the added concern of not even knowing if the race will be run increased that stress. Although we had plenty of off time earlier this year it wasn’t restful. Maybe it is a good time to take a step back, take a deep breath and rest. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Resting with Jesus; sounds like a new name for a ministry? The racing world does not corner the market on stress and frustration. If the events of this past year did not reveal that then nothing will. The world we live in has been described as a rat race. Kind of like a dog chasing its tail, the faster you go the dizzier you get. Sound like some of our activities for the past few months?
This past year gave us time to wonder why do we do what we do? Many times the thought crosses our mind concerning our motivation. Why do we do this? Why are we here? When we get to that point it is good to step back and take a look at things. The present situation has given us the time to take a step out of our routine. Maybe we should look for a place to rest and collect our thoughts. Jesus is that place.
We are entering the traditional time of year when we can take that break and relax. We can look back and reflect on the season past. Taking some time to rest and catch up on the things we left behind as we ran our race. Jesus gives us a place to rest.
Jesus came to save us. From what you ask, from us. We fill our lives with so much stuff that the stuff starts to win out. We develop a lifestyle that feeds off itself. We start finding ourselves needing to do this, that and this in order to maintain our lifestyle. It becomes overwhelming and we just keep on going trying to stay one-step ahead, for what; so we can live?
I am not sure many people would classify what they do as living. They may say surviving, but not living. The challenges of the current pandemic take a toll on us. There are many things that have happened that are out of control. I think of the challenges that folks across the world have faced and my heart goes out to them.
In his poem, The Station, Hastings talks about the vision, “when we get there”. Where? A new house, car, home, kids through school, promotion, winning a race. We never get there. Once we accomplish one thing there is another to move on to. Our vision is never satisfied. He writes further to say it is not the destination, but the journey that we must focus on. That is why Jesus makes this offer in Matthew:
Matthew 11:28-29,nlt, Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls.
Chasing the elusive Station, the things we think we need; adds anxiety, worry and stress to our lives but Jesus provides for each one of us the security of the destination. If we accept Him we will be with him for eternity. Destination settled, now about the journey.
At this past World Series at Thompson I made a trip to the Bench. The bench was presented to Rev. Pat at Thompson Speedway by the Busch North Ladies Auxiliary along with a plaque thanking him for twenty-five years of dedicated ministry to the Whelen Modified and Busch North Tours. The bench is located under the big oak by the old handicapper’s booth. For the past Forty years we have been sharing the same message; come unto me and rest. Park it on the bench, focus on the journey and not the destination, spend some time with Jesus and seek His will for your life. When we ask, seek and knock, it will be provided for us within the will of God. RWJ takes on a new meaning, Rest with Jesus.
Matthew 7:7-12, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
“Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
When we take a step back from the challenges of our life and we realize that we do not have to win the race, our Savior has already won that race. We can adjust our focus and look around us and participate in the journey. Along that road we need to reach out and help one another. We need to guide and direct people to the source of life. We need to, as Jesus said, be humble and gentle as we demonstrate how to live.
David writes in Psalm 23,
The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
In Jesus we have a place to rest. Rest in Him, walk with Him along those peaceful streams, and let Him renew your strength.
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
