running the race

RUN TO WIN!

(February 07, 2025) Angeline Selvakumari encourages…

It was the 1986 Asian Games and the 800m final in Seoul was about to take place. The entire nation was on the edge of its seat, eagerly anticipating a nail-biting finish by Shiny Abraham, one of India’s finest athletes. Expectations soared as people hoped she would secure the gold medal.

When Shiny crossed the finish line first, the pride and joy felt by every Indian were indescribable. Cheers of jubilation echoed from households across the country. However, the euphoria was short-lived. Moments later, it was announced that Shiny had been disqualified for changing lanes too soon.

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FINISHING WELL

(September 2, 2021) Brian Bell encourages finishing the race of life…

Exciting and yet in the current climate, challenging as the 2020 rescheduled Olympic Games in Japan may have proved, they may not have been your favourite ‘must watch’ event of 2021 to date.

In 1 Timothy 4:8, Paul tells Timothy that ‘Bodily exercise is of some benefit, but godliness with contentment is of greater gain.’

While I believe the apostle’s words about bodily exercise were specifically directed to Timothy’s situation, as with all scripture we too may benefit from its general exhortation.

Paul’s words remind us about priority (a common theme in scripture) our aim as believers is for ‘God likeness’ in our attitudes and daily living but if we are able to take physical exercise, it is good to do so within our limitations.

Keep going
At the 1968 Olympic Games held in Mexico City, Tanzania was represented in the marathon by John Stephen Akhwari. Part way through the race, Akhwari fell and was injured. He decided to get bandaged up and continue, which he did, finishing in last place over an hour behind the other runners.

 When interviewed later Akhwari was asked, ‘Why did you bother to get up and finish the race’ to which his reply was ‘My country didn’t send me to Mexico to start the race, they sent me to finish.’

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