“Do you know that in a race, all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” I Corinthians 9:24 (NIV)

Ever since I was in my early 20’s (wow, that is a long time ago), I have always exercised in one way, shape, or form–trying everything from the “step workout” to the trampoline, as well as using a number of walking DVD’s by a popular walking instructor. In one of her videos, she guides you through the “cha cha” which is a simple: step, step…run, run, run routine. It increases the intensity of your workout two-fold.

This past Saturday, I was privileged to compete in a 5K walk and was accompanied by a friend and her daughter. When we arrived and parked the car, a woman approached us asking if her daughter could walk with us since she and her son were going to run the 5K. Both my friend and I agreed and we were in for a treat. The young girl was 10 years old. Her grandmother was supposed to walk with her, but she had surgery recently so she was unable to do so. She told us about her family history and was quite a “chatty cathy” walking along side both us for most of the time. While talking with her mother, I found out that she was originally from the area and even participated in a youth program at a church where my husband and I knew the pastor. You can say that was a coincidence, but I say it was definitely a “God wink.” The mother had prayed for the Lord to bring the right people along to walk with her daughter and He guided her to us.

Towards the end of the race as we made our way to the time clock, we were greeted by well wishers and supporters who encouraged us to “finish the race.” While we waited for the awards’ ceremony to begin, we enjoyed snacks and drinks provided to all the runners/walkers.

By age category, names were called and medals were handed out to those who had won the 5K run, 5K walk, and 10K run. I was totally surprised and humbled when I heard my name called as 2nd place winner in my age category. People around me applauded while I received my medal and had my picture taken for the website and/or newspaper. It felt awesome. I was not expecting to win anything that day, but felt I had already been blessed by agreeing to walk with the 10-year old girl. But God had other plans and rewarded me accordingly. The excitement on my friends’ faces was truly a blessing.

I believe that “the steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord” (Psalm 37:23) and He wants us to finish the race no matter how long it takes. Life hands us challenges every day. We just need to hand them over to the Lord and ask for His help. He is there beside us and wants the very best and blesses us immensely as we trust Him.

If you feel you are in a race that you can not finish, just keep going. You will reap unexpected blessings along the way as long as you keep your eyes on the prize.

Blessings on you,
Yvonne

Reading for March: “The Power of a Praying Woman” and “The Power of a Praying Wife” by Stormie Omartian