A Call to Persevere
17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.
20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.[f]
St. Jude is a wonderful institution serving the world from Memphis. Childhood cancer patients are treated for free and survival rates continue to increase. This coming weekend around 25,000 people will rise early and cover a set distance, running, walking, or even rolling as a participant in the wheelchair division.
It is a joy to be a part of the crowd running. The atmosphere along the course is terrific, with cheers and music, smiles and encouraging hollers, and sweat and determination staining the Memphis streets.
Thinking on this passage from the Book of Jude, and others comparing life to a race, I think about all of the ups and downs, the seasons of training and stretches of the race itself. Sometimes, you are alone just telling yourself to put one foot in front of the other. Other times, you float with the excitement of the crowd. Each person has their own race, the different track unfolding before them. Some runners are carrying the mempry of a loved one. Others becuase they love to run. No matter, they are part of a larger body drawing attention ot the work of St. Jude.
Lord, this weekend, bless the runners. May they be encouraged by the supporters, their loved ones, and strangers cheering them on. Keep the course dry. May the crowd encourage the patients and families of St. Jude. Lord, may collective determination encourage those going through treatment.
We pray for the continued miracles at St. Jude. Lord, we know with You there are no lost causes. Lead the sickle cell researchers and cancer researchers to the answers in curing their diseases. Encourage the staff providing love and care daily. Comfort those families spending too many nights in Memphis for treatment.
We ask these things in Your name, Amen.