INTRODUCTION

The Bible likens the life of a believer to many things, one of these being a race. Our life's race is likened more to a marathon or cross-country run rather than a short-lived sprint. In these types of endurance races, the strategic runner outlasts the impatient contender. A sprint initiated at the starting line may place the runner at the head of the pack but always yields a disappointing outcome. The same holds true concerning the Christian race. Believers are to run this race patiently. The Christian must never allow present trials and difficult circumstances to disqualify him from his perspective race. In fact, the long-term goal of winning the race must be ever present in every thought and action. The Christian race is not only about how much we can accomplish in the present, but what the Lord has accomplished before our crossing of the finish line.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Elimelech and Naomi did not have the patience to wait on God when there were food shortages in Bethlehem. They took their two sons and moved to Moab. While they were there, Elimelech and his two sons died. Their lives may have turned out differently if they had simply waited on God to take care of them in Bethlehem.
• (For everyone):  In what ways could patience actually help you reach the finish line first? How could patience in the race keep you from quitting when times get tough?
• How are you running your race? Are you attempting to sprint, or are you allowing the Lord to guide your direction and control your pace?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to help you run with patience.
• Ask God to show you that the best path and pace to run is His path and His pace.

HYMN

BY AND BY (BLACKALL)

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