Philippians 3:12 “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.”
It was the 1984 summer Olympics and they were being held in the city of Los Angeles. The inaugural Womens event was particularly hot that year with the temperature being around 86 degrees that day. As the race unfolded, one particularly runner stood out as they entered the stadium track. Gabriela Andersen-Schiess was a 39-year-old ski instructor who represented Switzerland. She entered the Coliseum stadium about 20 minutes after the winner, Joan Benoit, had finished her race. Her body was visibly distressed: her right leg was stiff, her left arm hung limp, and she struggled with a twisted torso. She waved away medics, knowing that receiving any physical assistance would lead to her disqualification from the race. Andersen-Schiess completed the final 400-meter lap in 5 minutes and 44 seconds, lurching and occasionally stopping from the pain, before falling across the finish line into the arms of medical personnel.
Even though she finished in 37th place out of 44 finishers, one thing was noted about her performance…..she finished the race!
I remember watching her performance and gasping at the sight. She embodied the spirit of one who strained to the very end, much like all christians are encouraged to do today.
Philippians 3:13-14 “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
I know how difficult it is to remain faithful. I know the difficulty of abstaining from sin, of maintaining a steadfast spirit, of being found righteous, of pressing on through sickness and fatigue. Every true believer knows the struggle is real. We all have a sinful nature at our core and are surrounded by trials and temptations.
Paul described the race like the strain of running a long marathon and like Gabriela Andersen-Schiess, you too may feel like one leg isn’t working, one arm has gone limp and a look of fatigue is written across your face.
My brothers and sisters, all I can say is press on. The finish line is just up ahead and the joy of crossing that line will be like no other.
Cross it faithfully. Cross it with courage and strength. Cross that line knowing many have gone before you and they wait for you at the finish.
Philippians 1:15-16 “Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.”
It takes a mature believer to see the race for what it is. You’ve come so far, you’ve made it through so much difficulty already, don’t give up now.
Hold onto your marriages, press on in your faith, continue to carry the torch of the gospel, walk in righteousness, knowing your reward will be sure. For you are not your own, you were bought with a price, and you run because you know the fellowship of God’s love.
Philippians 3:17 “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.”
Remember those who have already crossed the line, they had the same challenges that you have. If they could do it, you can do it. Find those who are running the race with you. Talk with them, strengthen one another, and encourage each other to press on.
The hosts of Heaven are cheering you on, and so do the fellowship of believers today.
We must remember the Lord is our strength. We must keep our eyes upward on the high calling of God and off the pain of this world.
Pray, seek His face, and repent when you stumble. The Lord is gracious and merciful, and waiting for you at the finish line.
They say that Gabriela went to the hospital right after the race and she recovered and was discharged only 2 hours later.
When you cross the line, the pain of this world will quickly dissolve into great joy.
All believers will be there that day, press on and know that we will rejoice together….in that day.
U.T. 