Grace To Run the Race

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NIV)

One of my favourite poems, He Giveth More Grace, was written by Annie J. Flint (1866–1932). Annie Flint was no stranger to suffering. She was orphaned at a young age and grew up in a foster home. Her foster family were devout Christians who taught her the Scriptures. She was also schooled in music and dreamt of becoming a concert pianist. Her dream fell apart when she developed rheumatoid arthritis in her early twenties. Her arthritis progressed rapidly. By the time she was thirty, she could no longer walk. Her pain in her joints was so severe that she was able to sleep only a few hours during the night.

Through her agonising suffering, she drew closer to the Lord. She wrote many poems and song lyrics expressing her gratitude to God for His grace that sustained her each day.

Run To Receive the Prize

Today we will look at the first stanza of He Giveth More Grace.

He gives more grace when the burdens grow greater
He sends more strength when labours increase
To added afflictions, he adds His mercy
To multiplied trials, his multiplied peace

The grace that Annie Flint writes about is God’s sustaining grace. God’s sustaining grace carries us when the weight of our burdens becomes heavy. His sustaining grace holds us in the palm of His hand so we are not crushed under the weight of our burdens. His sustaining grace releases the mercy we need when we find ourselves in that perfect storm. It gives us the peace we need when our souls are in turmoil. His grace strengthens us. It empowers us to run the race that God has set before us.

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1b-2a (NIV)

For each of us, the race will be different. Some of us will, like Annie Flint, endure physical suffering. Others will endure emotional brokenness or mental health issues. Still others will find themselves in seasons where lack and uncertainty lurk in the shadows. Paul urges us to run with perseverance, fixing our eyes on Jesus. Jesus endured hardships. He endured the cross because of the joy that awaited Him. The joy of being seated at the Father’s right hand. He endured the hardships so that we may receive not only His saving grace, but also His sustaining grace. His sustaining grace helps us run and not grow weary. It helps us not to lose heart (Hebrews 12:1-3). It helps us to run to receive the eternal prize.

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)

Reflection:

Are you trusting your own strength to run your race? Why not trust God’s sustaining grace to empower you?

Prayer:

Lord, I pray for Your grace to sustain me as I run my race with perseverance. Hold me, Lord, when my burdens grow heavy. Sustain me by Your grace that strengthens and empowers so that I will run and not grow weary. In Jesus’ name, amen.