LAST LESSONS #139 – LAST THINGS – THE RACE – 2

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” 1 Corinthians 9:24

Going on from last week—

It is obvious that we must enter a race in order to run it. Therefore, although we are chosen by Christ to be his, and we are predestined to become conformed to his image (Romans 8:29), we can’t enter the wonderful race that Christ has for us until we give our lives unreservedly to him. The 12 Apostles understood this. God had foreordained that they would be his, but they had to give their lives (warts and all!) to him and follow him until they died. So it is with us.

I remember well the day I knew that I was saved, but I also remember the day (or the night actually) when I gave my whole life to Christ to use as he wished. I was 17 and it was the night that I was also called to be a missionary to Africa.

Interesting how God puts things together to work out his will. I had just graduated from high school and was attending a youth rally for Presbyterian teenagers in Jacksonville, Florida.

A missionary from Africa was the speaker that night and challenged us to step into a circle if we would give our lives as missionaries. I found myself stepping into the circle. It was as if an invisible hand drew me in. I don’t remember whether others stepped into the circle, I just knew that was what I had to do.

I had no idea how I could be a missionary, but I had entered the race! I have never regretted it. I’ve been on the road for a long time now and I have found plenty of bumps and made plenty of stupid mistakes, but Jesus has kept me from completely falling into the ditch. I’m convinced that’s because he is the one who put things together for me to enter the race and he is faithful.

Have you entered the race? If not, maybe you are not paying attention to what’s going on in your life right now. Sometimes the call is simple and easy like Jesus’ call to Peter and Andrew or James and John. I wonder why Jesus did not call the father of James and John. Maybe it is because the Lord usually calls young people. I am so thankful that God called me while I was still young. I went to Africa at age 28.

But we don’t know how old Saul (Paul) was when God used a lightning strike to get his attention.

What did it take, or what will it take, for you to enter the race? Are you listening and paying attention to how God is speaking to you?

I can assure you, that when you answer God’s call and give your life unreservedly to him you will enter the race and it will be more exciting than you can imagine.