July 2, 2008

The Winner

Today’s Truth

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:6 NIV)

Friend to Friend

It was the first swim meet of the year for the newly formed, middle-school aquatic team. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation as forty-eight adolescents thought of nothing but victory. Justin was among the bunch and was swimming the five-hundred-yard freestyle for the first time in his life.

Toward the end of the race, everyone had finished…except for Justin. He stole breaths as his hands slapped against the water to push it aside and propel his thin body forward. The freckle-faced youth appeared he would go under at any moment, but something kept pushing him onward. The race was won eight minutes ago, but Justin continued to swim.

One teammate, inspired by his brave friend, went to the side of the pool and walked the lane as Justin pressed on. “Come on, Justin, you can do it! Keep going! Don’t give up!” He was joined by another, then another, until the entire team was walking the length of the pool, rooting for and encouraging their fellow swimmer to finish the race. Soon the opposing team saw what was happening and they joined in the chant. A chill ran through the room as the once concerned parents rose to their feet cheering, shouting, and praying. The room pulsated with energy and excitement as teammates and opponents pumped courage into one small swimmer.

Twelve long minutes after the starting whistle had blown, an exhausted, but smiling Justin swam his final lap and struggled to pull himself out of the pool. The crowd had applauded the first swimmer as he crossed the finish line in first place, but they gave Justin the greater cheer for simply finishing the race.

Let’s Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, sometimes I feel like I’m not going to make it. Thank You for friends who come alongside me and cheer me on when it seems like I’m ready to go under. Above all, thank You for being with me always, to cheer me on in the great race of life. I love You!

In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Now it’s Your Turn

Can you identify with Justin? Have you ever felt like you have bitten off more than you can chew?

What helps you most in times like these?

Can you think of a friend who is struggling today who might need a word of encouragement? You might be just the person God has chosen to cheer her own. Why not give her a call, shoot her an e-mail, or write her note of cheer.

More from the Girlfriends

Today’s devotion was taken from Sharon new devotional book, Extraordinary Moments with God. Come with Sharon as she dusts for God’s fingerprints that change ordinary days into extraordinary moments. As you explore this treasury of stories highlighting “God moments” in the lives of fellow travelers, you too will begin to sense His presence in extraordinary ways.

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