Finishing Together

Though it has been several years since I’ve been on the pavement, I am a runner. I am not the most graceful runner, nor am I the fastest runner, but I am a runner. I can recall several years ago, when I ran my second organized 5K race, a wonderful lesson that God shared with me. The race was organized to raise money for a local arts center. There were men and women, boys and girls, of all ages. As start time drew near, I took my position towards the back. I am what many call a back of the pack runner. When the race began, I started slowly and paced myself as I passed one mile and two miles and two and half miles. When the three mile marker appeared, I was tired, but I knew that I could make it. That is, until I saw this massive hill in front of me. As I ascended the hill, my breathing was labored and my pace slowed. I was just about to begin walking when a woman came up from behind me. She said to me, “I don’t know you, but I’ve been following your lead all race. You have encouraged me to run when I wanted to walk. You have encouraged me to run when I wanted to quit. It’s my turn now. Don’t walk. Let’s finish this together.” And we did. She and I ran up that hill, and down it and crossed the finish line together. 

Family, this reminds me of the words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” As disciples of Christ, we are always to follow the leading and example of Christ. We never know who is watching and how our witness may encourage them to continue on their journey of following Jesus. Likewise, we thank God for the disciples in our lives, whose example gives us the motivation to keep moving when life gets tough.Whether we are leading or following, by God’s grace, we will all cross that finish line and God will grant each of us a crown of glory that never fades. 

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Donna Owusu-Ansah