By Josie Siler
In July there was a heartwarming story going around about a little boy who asked a Marine to run with him after getting separated from his group during a 5K. The Marine not only finished the race with the boy, but he “urged him on when the boy wanted to give up and ensured that the boy saw the course to completion where he was reunited with his party.” You can read the full story and see a photo here: http://lite987.com/soldier-boy-5k/
As impressed as I am with a little boy who can run a 5K, I’m also struck by the kindness of the Marine who put his own desire to beat his friends aside to make sure this boy finished the race. We all need a little help sometimes!
In July there was a heartwarming story going around about a little boy who asked a Marine to run with him after getting separated from his group during a 5K. The Marine not only finished the race with the boy, but he “urged him on when the boy wanted to give up and ensured that the boy saw the course to completion where he was reunited with his party.” You can read the full story and see a photo here: http://lite987.com/soldier-boy-5k/
As impressed as I am with a little boy who can run a 5K, I’m also struck by the kindness of the Marine who put his own desire to beat his friends aside to make sure this boy finished the race. We all need a little help sometimes!
We just finished a study of the spiritual armor given to us by God. Let me ask you something: When you think about yourself fighting a spiritual battle do you imagine yourself fighting alone? I did. I had this picture in my head of myself decked out in my belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness and shoes fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace as I hold the shield of faith - extinguishing every fiery dart the devil throws my way. The helmet of salvation is on my head and I’m wielding the sword of the Spirit with incredible agility. All the while I’m praying, asking God to help me in the battle. It’s me and an army of angels fighting against the rulers, authorities, cosmic powers, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Then I read the second half of Ephesians 6:18. Reading in The Message, we are told to, “Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.” The picture in my head just changed. I’m not the only one in this battle. You’re not the only one in this battle. We’re in it together. We are responsible for each other.
Not everyone chooses to take on this responsibility. However, if we do pray for each other and keep each other’s spirits up, we’ll all make it! Some of us will get there slower than we intended, like the kind Marine. Others will be like the boy who asked for help. We’ll make it only because others have decided to take the time to help and encourage us all the way to the finish line.
Why is it so important to make it to the finish line? The finish line is eternal life with our Heavenly Father. That’s important, friends. Let’s help each other fight the good fight and finish the race. I’m running with you!
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing.” –2 Timothy 4:7-8, MSG
© September 4, 2013
Then I read the second half of Ephesians 6:18. Reading in The Message, we are told to, “Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.” The picture in my head just changed. I’m not the only one in this battle. You’re not the only one in this battle. We’re in it together. We are responsible for each other.
Not everyone chooses to take on this responsibility. However, if we do pray for each other and keep each other’s spirits up, we’ll all make it! Some of us will get there slower than we intended, like the kind Marine. Others will be like the boy who asked for help. We’ll make it only because others have decided to take the time to help and encourage us all the way to the finish line.
Why is it so important to make it to the finish line? The finish line is eternal life with our Heavenly Father. That’s important, friends. Let’s help each other fight the good fight and finish the race. I’m running with you!
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing.” –2 Timothy 4:7-8, MSG
© September 4, 2013
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