Running for Nothing

I opened the mail Sunday night and found a letter addressed to "Friends" at our address. Normally, I don't even open these kinds of things because they are almost always advertisements for heating & cooling or roofing services. But this one looked different because it was hand written with no return address.

What I saw inside immediately spoke to me, not only as a runner, but as a woman of faith. I have never seen a religious letter that I was able to relate to like this one. I wish I knew who sent it, or maybe thats the point that I do not know who is praying for me. There was no church or group affiliated with the letter, but it spoke to me very deeply, and not because I ran the same race. Below is the letter, verbatim. I hope it touches you like it did me.

Running for Nothing

As a runner started the 2006 Chicago Marathon, he notices something on the ground. It was a runner's chip - the device each runner puts on his or her shoe to record progress at various timing stations during the race. Apparently, one poor runner would be traversing the next 26.2 miles on foot with nothing to show for it.

Officially, that runner did not run the race. There would be no record of his participation. Even if he had finished the race in record time, it wouldn't have mattered. The folks who organize the race set the rules, and no matter how well someone runs, if the officials say the runner doesn't qualify, thats the way it is.

In one sense, thats also the way it is with all of us. We can run what appears to be a good race by doing good deeds for others and obeying lots of rules. But when we arrive at the final checkpoint - heaven - and haven't made sure our name is recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life by putting our faith in Jesus as our Savior, we're disqualified to enter.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the truth, the way and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:6).

Are you trusting Jesus? If not, you're running for nothing.

It's not what I achieve that qualifies,

It matters not if I gain wealth or fame;

The only thing I must be certain of --

"Have I put my trust in Jesus' name?"

If we could earn our salvation--

Christ would not have died to provide it.

There is hope in this hopeless world.

His name is Jesus Christ.

I am praying for you.