Monday 14th October 2024 may seem like an ordinary day, but as Christians, we know that each day holds potential for God to work powerfully in our lives. On this day in 1968, history witnessed an extraordinary display of perseverance: during the Mexico City Olympic Games, Tanzanian marathon runner John Stephen Akhwari finished his race hours after the winner, badly injured but determined to complete what he started. When asked why he didn’t quit, his reply was profound: “My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race; they sent me 5,000 miles to finish it.”
This powerful story of endurance through pain and weakness reminds us of the journey of faith we are called to walk. Life can throw unexpected challenges at us, and sometimes, we may feel broken or unable to continue. Yet, it is in these moments of weakness that God’s strength is made perfect.
Strength in Our Weakness
The apostle Paul understood this well. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, he shares how God’s response to his struggles was clear: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul’s reaction? “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me… For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Monday 14th October 2024 may find you facing your own set of struggles. Perhaps it’s the pressure of work, family difficulties, health issues, or the unseen weight of stress and anxiety. Whatever the challenge, remember that just as John Stephen Akhwari pressed on through pain to finish his race, you are called to finish the race set before you. But here’s the beauty—you don’t have to rely on your own strength to do so.
Finishing Well
Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Our Christian journey isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. There will be times when we feel we can’t go any further, but in those moments, we’re reminded to rely not on ourselves but on God’s limitless strength.
Jesus didn’t promise us a life without trials, but He did promise to be with us every step of the way. As we face challenges, we are invited to lean into His grace, trusting that His power works through our weakness.
A Moment to Reflect
Reflection Verse: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Reflection Question: Are there areas in your life where you feel weak or inadequate? How can you invite God’s strength to work through those moments?
Action Step: Today, take time to surrender your struggles to God. Instead of focusing on what you can’t do, ask God to give you strength in your weaknesses. Write down one area of life where you need His power to carry you through and commit it to Him in prayer.
Prayer
Lord, I thank You for the grace You give us daily. I acknowledge that in my own strength, I often fall short, but Your power is made perfect in my weakness. Help me to lean on You when the journey feels overwhelming and to remember that You have already won the victory. As I face the challenges ahead, may Your strength renew me and give me the endurance to finish the race with perseverance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
