Theme: The Race is Marked

Verse: Proverbs 4:26

Race Day! There is something different about race day that you don’t get in daily training sessions.

First, on race day you run a defined path. There are course boundaries within which runners are supposed to stay. Stray from the assigned path and you do so at your own risk (as I did in Kentucky last October, but that’s a story for another time).

Second, race day is a time to put forth your best effort. Giving the race your best shot will give you a sense of accomplishment whether you finish 1st or 101st. 

Finally, distance races have progressions. Even the 5K is not a full sprint (although it seems like it is for some of these youngsters that I see for about 20 seconds after the starting horn sounds). Everyone will have periods in the race that challenge them. Persevering through the struggle is what makes completion so rewarding.

Our Christian walk is similar. God has a specific plan (Our Path) for each of us. Determination (Our Best Effort) is required to finish the plan He has for us. During the race, we will go through phases, but continual advancement (Our Progression) will get us to the finish line if we put forth an honest effort.

This week many of us in Tampa will compete in one of several local races. These will be a reminder that God has a defined path for each of us. The courses may be different, but the destination (race completion) will be the same for all. 

Follow YOUR path, give it YOUR best effort, and make continual progress. If you do that, we’ll all meet up at the FINISH LINE!

Have a great week! 

Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black  

We invite you to join us in the 2023 Running of the Bulls 5k

Held at Bloomingdale Senior High School on Saturday, May 20. After a 2 year off-campus hiatus, it is returning to its original on-campus format this year!

Participants are welcome to run or walk the 5k! Walkers can select a timed or non-timed option. New this year is a ½ mile fun run/walk. 

Registration is at:  2023 — Running of the Bulls 5K — Race Roster — Registration, Marketing, Fundraising