Relay race (orig post via Insta/FB on 04/28/2020)

Edited to say that this post didn't post to Facebook on the day that I posted it to Instagram for some reason. 

I read my Upper Room devotion yesterday (4/27) and it was titled 'The Finish Line'. The author's point was that God doesn't require us to finish first, second or third. He only cares that we put forth effort. I went to bed last night physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted. I thought about the UR devotion and had an image of a relay race, much different than a bunch of people racing for their own title. A relay racer gets to pass the baton and take a break. They get to tap out for a few minutes. They get to "rest" for a short time before they go at it again. God still doesn't care where or if they place, just that they put forth the effort. However, my point is that God gives us "the church" (not the building) so that we can depend on others to help us finish the race. He gives us the tools to make it through rough times. We just have to utilize them. Most importantly, He gives us Himself and His word. Spending time in restful prayer with God, spending time in the word, a  kind word of encouragement from a friend can all help someone, us, me, you, finish the race. Never be afraid to pass the baton when you need to rest and most certainly don't be afraid to grab the baton when you see that someone else needs rest. It is what we are called to do. Be the hands & feet of Jesus. Be salt & light! -Michelle Ellis

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