On NPR this morning I heard the crazy story of PUMA Ocean Racing team competing in the 2009 Volvo Ocean Race. The sailors race over the world’s most treacherous waters for 9 months from Spain to Russia. The pictures on the site are amazing.
Hearing of the sailors’ experiences reminded me of Paul’s words in Hebrews 12:1-2, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Paul goes on to write about endurance and strength. Each and every day of our lives is a competition against those things that seek to tear us from God. We battle towards discipline and perseverance, which equip us to cope with life’s 45 foot waves and 50 knot winds. The race is not always easy or even safe, but to be a participant on God’s team is exhilarating.