It has been a struggle to say the least. The circumstances that surround our current state of life have been extraordinary. For some the pressure is too much. For others just getting through another day is the goal. We have all had our worlds turned upside down and are searching for the light at the end of the tunnel. How’s your struggle going? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Struggle is not an unfamiliar word in the racing community. It is something all teams endure on their way to figuring things out. Some teams it seems are in a constant struggle to just get on the track. Other teams it is just a momentary bump in the road as they sort things out. Given the current situation this race season has introduced a new kind of struggle, when are we racing.
Most seasons the schedules are released, plans are made, dates are circled on the calendar and we prepare the cars for the races we will run. Not this year, for the touring series it has been all bets are off. Take the Whelen Modified Tour, we have run three races. None of the races we have run were on the original schedule. Add to that the tracks we ran the opener at hadn’t been run for several years and the other track, White Mountain Motorsports Park had never been run by the tour. Talk about a change in plans.
Other racing schedules have seen the same transition. As I talked with a couple race directors they shared how challenging it has been to find places to race, put plans in place, and prepare to go only to have the rug pulled out from under them. Nothing is certain these days until you are at the track and you hear the sound of race cars!
Local tracks have had to find their way through this same mire of ever changing restrictions and protocols just to run with reduced fans or no fans at all. Some tracks have given up and canceled the season. Other tracks have just now started racing. While some have been able to get things rolling they have had to make adjustments for weather and schedule conflicts. It has been a struggle.
How are you dealing with the challenges of the current situation? Have you been able to cope with the struggle of figuring out what you can do, where you can go and what type of PPE is required? I have had my moments. I am not the only one. Many are frustrated with the struggle to sort things out, who to believe, what figures are accurate and how to move forward and get some normalcy back in our life.
John 16:33; NLT; I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
As Jesus sat with his disciples around the table for the Last Supper, the Passover feast, he shared with them an important thing that we need to remember when we struggle with the circumstances that surround us. Jesus has overcome the world.
He shared that with his disciples the things that would happen over the next few days and not to be worried he would overcome it all. That met with disbelief and uncertainty. The events of the next few days would be something no one had ever seen or would see again. The disciples had struggled with grasping the entirety of it all. They refused to accept it and even fought back saying they wouldn’t let it happen.
When things happen that we have never seen or experienced we resist, it is only natural. We fight back and try to put things back the way we think they should be. We struggle with change, especially change that we cannot understand or grasp. Remember the words of Christ, we will find our peace in Him.
Peace is an interesting thing, you can only experience true peace when you have the power and authority to change things. We tend not to think of it that way but the fact remains anything short of that allows for something to disturb your peace. Think of someone who has stepped beyond the bounds of accepted behavior, they are detained and cited for disturbing the peace. In the absence of the authority and power to keep the peace there is no peace.
Jesus has the power and authority to make peace and keep the peace. We need to embrace that, believe it and live our lives in the peace that Christ provided in His death and resurrection. Resting in the peace that Christ provides is easier to say then do. Especially when the things that provide comfort and security are being threatened. The truth is we are searching for peace in those things and not Christ.
Christ shared with us some important words from His first public speech, the Sermon on the Mount.
Matthew 6:31-34; NLT; “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
For peace to take hold in our heart we need to focus on the work of Christ and not on our own abilities. We find peace in Him alone. Giving our life over to Him means trusting our future and wellbeing to Him. He and he alone can give us peace.
Matthew 6:27; NLT; Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
John 14:27; NLT; “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
