Last Place

My wife Emily and I watched the 5k race back in 2008 as a part of the Fargo Marathon festivities. SEVEN THOUSAND people crammed the course – seemingly on top of one another – to run the 3.1-mile race. The first place finisher clocked a time of 16 minutes and 30 seconds. The last place finisher hadn’t approached even a half mile by the time the winner crossed the tape.

And while I was impressed by the person who took first place – I was blown away by those who finished near #7,000.

As the pack really thinned, the fans dissipated. The walkers on the course appeared to be moving at a snail’s pace (at best) compared to the top racers – and the later it got, the slower the walkers moved.

The final three groups filled me with inspiration. In fact, they were moving so slow we had time to chat with them as they gingerly made their way past us.

Leading the back of the pack at #6,998 was a man who two months ago had quadruple bypass surgery.

#6,999 was a woman who was dastardly out of shape – and as we cheered her on, she boasted and said “this is my first time!”

And #7,000 was a young woman with special needs. One leg was shorter than the other, and she was supported by two people holding her up. As we shouted praise her way, a huge grin splashed across her beautiful face and she began to run (well – wobble at best) with joy.

Emily and I were enamored by the back of the pack. And given the opportunity, I would love to hear each person’s story of how they ended up on that race course on a Friday night in May. But we were honored to witness Christ at work that night.

With God, all things are truly possible. We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. And although scripture unfortunately doesn’t promise us a first place finish – it does promise us that we can persevere because He first persevered.

“Let us run with perseverance the race that is marked out for us” – Hebrews 12:1

***This bible verse is the signature for Mark Knutson, the Fargo Marathon director. He has spent an inordinate amount of time laying out the race for us. So the challenge isn’t for you to just run (although that could be one of your challenges). The challenge is to push through – no matter how hard it is.

Don’t let a major heart attack stand in your way. Don’t let inexperience and a lack of discipline prevent you from pressing on. Don’t allow the hand you’ve been dealt in life determine your stars.

For the people who were made to be runners (like the guy who finished a 3.1 mile race in 16 minutes and 30 seconds), it is an incredible way to honor your Father by doing what you were created to do.

But for the people who have been broken by either chance or choice – know that God rejoices because you defy the odds. He sure as heck believes in you…maybe you should believe in yourself, too!?!

So may you defy the odds. May you have the courage to run the race – even if it means finishing in last place. May you rejoice, knowing that God has faith in you. May you have the audacity to do the unthinkable and persevere when all the deck is stacked against you. And may your last place finish be first place to those of us who need to be inspired.