Pretty nice alliteration, don’t you think? Especially since my name is Sandra.
I came to realize something important this week. It was an Ah-Ha moment.
Some people are sprinters. (No need to ask me how I know.)
That means they’re standing at the starting line prepared to launch into the race. Their eyes are fixed on the finish line – right in front of them where they can see it. As soon as they hear the starter’s signal they surge forward on the track and keep their speed turned up until they blast across the finish line.
I suppose the practice could be called biblical since Hebrews 12:1* directs believers to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
But I’ve watched runners of short distances who put everything into the effort. Some wander around in a seeming daze or bend over in exhaustion until they can catch their breath. Others collapse. Crossing the finish line in that manner isn’t exactly appealing.
Something I’ve noted about sprinters who happen to be on the Pilgrim Way is that they may not be able to see the finish line. They get all pumped up and ready to go, but they’re not exactly sure what direction to take. Sometimes the uncertainty causes them to run in circles not really getting anywhere as they try to create the feeling of making progress.
It’s more than a little tricky for these sprinters to run a race with the finish line hidden.
That’s when a sprinter pilgrim will likely pull out a searchlight and start sweeping the area in front of them. On either side. Across the horizon. Above eye level. Over their head. Behind them. They spread the beam across pretty much every inch of their environment in an attempt to light up the finish line. Dispel their doubts. Make every preparation. Prioritize their activities. Streamline their lives. Explode forward at the signal. And get to that finish line fast.
I suppose that might sound pretty biblical too. It’s important to have some idea of the direction in order to reach any goal.
Isaiah 30:21 reports how the LORD leads those who are lost or confused . . . once we cry out to Him. “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it.'”
But what if pilgrims who are sprinters are supposed to keep a balance? Between relying and pushing? Between praying and pursuing? Between waiting and working?
What if we turned off the searchlights and turned to God?
What if we lift our hand that holds His Holy Word and let His light shine?
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105
I suggest that’s the way He’ll illuminate His call and the path to follow.
We’ll be able to consider the trail ahead and match our steps to the challenge.
May the LORD, through His Word, shed all the light we need on the pathway ahead . . . and grant us the grace and wisdom to keep our balance. Amen
with confidence in the Eternal Beacon,
Sandra
*references from NIV1984