When we attended the Celebration of Life Service for my brother-in-law this spring, one of his classmates from high school in Polson, Montana was there. I knew that Bill liked to run in marathons so I asked him–half jokingly (because he is now 86 or 87)–if he is still running marathons. He replied that he is still running, but now just doing half-marathons!  Good for him!

     You have undoubtedly heard the name Usaine Bolt, current record holder for the 100-meter dash. At the World Athletic Championships in Berlin, Germany in 2009, the Jamaican speedster set the record at 9.58 seconds, breaking his previous world record by .11 seconds.  But you may not recognize the name Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins, who in 2021 crossed the 100-meter finish line ahead of all her competitors. Her time of 60 seconds was a bit slower than that of Usaine’s, but she was 105 years old, competing in the Louisiana Senior Games!

     There’s a lot to like about  an “octogenarian” still doing half marathons or a “centenarian”  who’s still running sprints, but there’s even more to like about believers in Jesus who never stop “running the race that God has set before them, their eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross…”  (Heb. 12:1,2).  The Psalmist wrote: “The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree, he will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green” (Psa. 92:12-14). 

     It’s tempting as we grow into the “golden years” (not sure why they are called that unless it has to do with the crowns on your teeth!) to slow down and “ease our way home,” but you won’t find that option in Scripture!  We are to keep running the race to the finish line, which is when God calls us home. If we still have life and breath, we can be of service to God. There is no call for older believers to stop running the race. Maybe not the way Bill or Julia does, but in ways that continue to help build the Kingdom of God and His righteousness as He provides the strength we need. There is no lack of opportunities to continue being of service to God.  What are some things you can do to continue reaching others for Christ and helping them grow in faith? How can you encourage other believers to serve as they can? 

     When the time of our “departure” comes, may we be able to say with the Apostle Paul:   “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (II Tim. 4:7).  Jesus, thank you for every day you give me.  No matter my age, help me to strive to run the race set before me until you take me home.

Forever His,

Pastor Dave N