Article originally published at KingdomEdgeMag.com
I’ve been watching a lot of track and field lately. One of my kids has joined the high school team and I’m gradually learning the terminology and how the running events work.
For example, the 3200 meter relay is synonymous to the 4 x 800 m relay. Some races have the contenders start at staggered points, some use starting blocks, some have hurdles.
Recently I caught myself describing life in the Kingdom of God using track vocabulary. Such as life has obstacles we have to hurdle. I’m passing the baton. But this one is my favorite so far: Jesus runs the anchor leg.
The anchor is the last teammate to run in the relay and the one who ultimately finishes the race.
Isn’t that exactly who Jesus is?
The author of the New Testament book Hebrews describes Jesus as the finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2)
Here’s why that is such good news to me.
You see, I struggle with control.
And what I’ve been learning lately is that my part to play in the kingdom is important, but its not all up to me. I do the work in front of me, to the best of my ability, then pass the baton to Jesus who will bring the work to the finish line.
I’ve noticed 3 situations (so far! Its still a work in progress) in which I have to remind myself that its not my job to manage the outcome.
3 ways The Outcome is Out of my control
- With friends – wanting them to experience the faith I have
- With my kids – wanting them to make healthy choices
- With myself – wanting to change my less-than-ideal natural tendencies to Spirit instincts
Lack of control could easily lead us to despair, but thankfully, there is hope.
God says, “And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” (Ezekiel 36:26)
Its His job to change the old for new. Not mine.