In
His Sight
The eyes of the LORD are everywhere…
Proverbs 15:3
Shane crossed the finish line in second
place; his best finish at this level! Runner-up at the premier event
of the year in track and field was quite a feat; and he’d run a
personal best to do it!
As he watched reporters gather-round
the winner he felt a momentary twinge of jealousy. Second place is
the first loser! ran through his mind. Just as quickly he felt
God say, “You are not a loser! I know the truth! I saw what you
did! You ran with your whole heart; you left nothing in reserve. Do
not let the enemy steal your joy! Stand firm in your accomplishment
and do not surrender to your flesh.”
A smile dawned, spreading until it
covered his face. Shane raised his hands in triumph, index fingers
toward Heaven in a victory declaration. A few watching responded with
applause. Their response became contagious. Focus shifted from the
first-place interview to what was now a full-fledged celebration!
Shane had dropped to his knees, giving thanks to God for his athletic
abilities.
Several reporters, so taken by his
candid display of emotion, approached and asked the reason for his
celebration, alleging, “How can you be satisfied with second place
when you were so close to winning?”
Shane looked from one reporter to the
other as he answered, “That’s what’s so great! I have never run
a race so perfectly, and been so close! Watching him dig deep to beat
me means I brought out the best in him too! What a wonderful feeling
to know we both gave our all!”
†
Competition is meant to be healthy. To
give our all is the most any of us can ever hope for, and order of
finish should never be placed above personal accomplishment; only
misguided ignorance rates placement above performance. Great effort
is to be commended.
As God continually watches over each of
us, He sees the good, the bad, everything we do, yet loves us
unconditionally. We should remain conscious of His observation,
conduct ourselves accordingly, and remember; He knows when we give
our best.
Prayer
“I forget that You’re
watching sometimes, LORD. May You always find
what I’m doing as pleasing in Your sight. Amen.”
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