Limping or Not, I'm Crossing that Line!
by Susan
It was one of the most poignant videos I have ever seen. You really have to see it for yourself. If you are anything like me, you'd better get the kleenex out. This is a story about a real-life son and his dad, but I saw it as an insight into a much bigger picture... our relationship with God.
http://www.godtube.com/featured/video/never-give-life
I wasn't able to embed this one, but I hope you'll take the time to watch it on Youtube by clicking on the link above...
Notice in the video how the son's weakness actually glorifies the father... The father was in the stands watching his son, one of a thousand faces in the crowd. Had there been no injury the father woud have happily stayed in the background and enjoyed watching his son cross the finish line the winner, cheering only from afar.
If in fact the young man had won the race that day as had been fully expected, you would not be watcing the video today. It would have had very little impact at all. It would have been just another race. Not worthy of being put on Youtube, and/or Godtube, and would not have had the incredible influence it has had on so many people. Like me.
When our flesh fails us - as it is wont to do - God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. (2Cor 12:9) But just like the runner we have to accept our weakness, our injury, our sin nature, our own ability to even finish the race, and submit instead to his strength to get us over that line.
He's waiting for that. Waiting for us to turn to him and let him help.
The other thing that hit me about this video was how determined that runner was to finish the race. He had trained all his life for this moment. Limping or not, grieving deeply, he was going to own that distant white line - and he did. But not the way he - and everyone watching - had expected.
Watching this video stirred up my own resolve to run my race well - but not in my own strength. I want to finish that race that's been given to me alone to run. No matter how badly I want to cave, I'm encouraged to keep on. I may be limping, and I may even have to be carried over the line at the last, but I'm going to finish this race. I pray that I will have the grace to lean into my Father's strength and be used to in such a way as to make a difference in the life of every single person I meet every single day... I pray that His power, his Greatness, his Tender love, shine brightest through my weakness, through my injury, through my failure.
God helping me, I'm committed to finishing this race. Committed to hanging on. Committed to laying down my own agenda and leaning solely, and completely into the Father's strength. Committed to making a difference in the lives of those I care most about and anyone else whose life may intersect with mine. God helping me, (and only by God helping me) I'm in for the long haul.
It was one of the most poignant videos I have ever seen. You really have to see it for yourself. If you are anything like me, you'd better get the kleenex out. This is a story about a real-life son and his dad, but I saw it as an insight into a much bigger picture... our relationship with God.
http://www.godtube.com/featured/video/never-give-life
I wasn't able to embed this one, but I hope you'll take the time to watch it on Youtube by clicking on the link above...
Notice in the video how the son's weakness actually glorifies the father... The father was in the stands watching his son, one of a thousand faces in the crowd. Had there been no injury the father woud have happily stayed in the background and enjoyed watching his son cross the finish line the winner, cheering only from afar.
If in fact the young man had won the race that day as had been fully expected, you would not be watcing the video today. It would have had very little impact at all. It would have been just another race. Not worthy of being put on Youtube, and/or Godtube, and would not have had the incredible influence it has had on so many people. Like me.
When our flesh fails us - as it is wont to do - God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. (2Cor 12:9) But just like the runner we have to accept our weakness, our injury, our sin nature, our own ability to even finish the race, and submit instead to his strength to get us over that line.
He's waiting for that. Waiting for us to turn to him and let him help.
The other thing that hit me about this video was how determined that runner was to finish the race. He had trained all his life for this moment. Limping or not, grieving deeply, he was going to own that distant white line - and he did. But not the way he - and everyone watching - had expected.
Watching this video stirred up my own resolve to run my race well - but not in my own strength. I want to finish that race that's been given to me alone to run. No matter how badly I want to cave, I'm encouraged to keep on. I may be limping, and I may even have to be carried over the line at the last, but I'm going to finish this race. I pray that I will have the grace to lean into my Father's strength and be used to in such a way as to make a difference in the life of every single person I meet every single day... I pray that His power, his Greatness, his Tender love, shine brightest through my weakness, through my injury, through my failure.
God helping me, I'm committed to finishing this race. Committed to hanging on. Committed to laying down my own agenda and leaning solely, and completely into the Father's strength. Committed to making a difference in the lives of those I care most about and anyone else whose life may intersect with mine. God helping me, (and only by God helping me) I'm in for the long haul.
Comments
I'm struck by the mottos on the dad's clothing: "Just do it" on his cap, and "Have you hugged your..." (I couldn't read the rest, but it doesn't matter) on his t-shirt. Talk about putting your words into action!