On Your Mark, Get Set—Go!

How many times have you heard these words used to start a race? They are an important part of the race. They are not just fancy words to fill in time before the contest starts.

First, you find a starting place, for every race or journey must start somewhere. Next, you get into position, getting set in the right direction. You wouldn't want to go the wrong way, would you! You want to know the direction of the goal line. Then you go. That's what you've been preparing for all the time.

Oftentimes you hear life compared to a race. And it is a good idea. Life has a beginning, a purpose; and an effort is put forth to reach that purpose or goal. We have to run hard sometimes even to keep up and, if we strain a little harder than the rest of the racers, we stand a good chance of getting ahead of the others. But, win or lose, we go—we run life's race.

The Christian's life is like a race. On the mark—you find your place. You realize that God has made you and that he loves you and has put his mark upon you. You are not some nameless winged seed blowing about in the wind that will fall to the ground somewhere and just maybe take root and grow. You have a place with God.

Get set—head in the right direction. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). The goal is understanding that we are God's children and that we seek to be at one with him. That is what we're here for.

Go! Go with God. "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the earth" (Matthew 28:2o).

I am ready to run the race, O God, according to your rules. Give me success and strength.