Lady Vernon & The Women of “THE WORD” – Daily Devotional

This Devotional Will Run Throughout the Week

This Week’s Devotional  – “Test of Tenacity”

I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time ( Ecclesiastes 9:1).

Once upon a time there was a hare who, boasting how he could run faster than anyone else, was forever teasing tortoise for his slowness. Then one day, the irate tortoise answered back: “Who do you think you are? There’s no denying you’re swift, but even you can be beaten.” You know how the The Tortoise and the Hare fable goes, the tortoise challenges the hare to a race and the tortoise wins the race because the over-confident hare stops to take a nap and is overtaken.

How is it that the much slower tortoise managed to outwit, outlast and outplay his opponent? It appears that the tortoise exhibited the following qualities/attributes: (1) he had a clear picture of his desired outcome/goal; (2) he worked hard; (3) he was determined; (4) he was patient; (5) he was confident; (6) he had support.

Let’s take a closer look at our spiritual walk in light of this fable. Often times we start off our race like the hare, full of ourselves and indeed we may even run for a while full speed ahead.

Then, over-confident that we will reach our destination, or perhaps just tired, we stop to take a nap. Sometimes our spiritual walks are similar to the tortoise’s predicament. Getting in a race and facing formidable competition just doesn’t seem to be our ‘cup of tea’ but when pushed out of our ‘comfort zone’ we find the courage to rise to the occasion. So where are you right now in the spiritual race you’re running? Perhaps looking at the morals of this story can help in our spiritual walk with God:

1. Develop attributes of the tortoise, including a tough shell and the courage to stick your neck out, as you tackle any new goal.
2. Check your beliefs (do a spiritual check-up). Perceived liabilities aren’t necessarily so, e.g., short legs, heavy shell.
3. Focus on your strengths. If you don’t know what they are, ask a God-fearing friend.
4. Do not compare yourself to others. There is no good to come of it.
5. Do not underestimate the value of taking one small step at a time, because slow and steady wins the race.

In this life, there are many factors to consider when taking on any challenge. Reflect on this historical fact: For many years it was widely believed to be physically impossible for a human to run a mile in under four minutes without causing significant damage to the runners’ health. However, during an athletic meeting on May 6, 1954, Roger Bannister ran a mile in 3 minutes, 59.4 seconds. The breaking of the four minute mile was so significant, that it was named by Forbes as one of the greatest athletic achievements and Bannister will always be remembered as the man who ran the “miracle mile.” What made this event even more significant is that once the four minute barrier was broken, within three years, by the end of 1957, 16 other runners also cracked the four minute mile.

So what happened to the physical barrier that prevented humans from running the four minute mile? Was there a sudden leap in human evolution? No. It was the change in thinking that made the difference; Bannister had shown that breaking a four minute mile was possible. Often the barriers we perceived are only barriers in our own minds. Previous runners had been held back by their beliefs and mindsets. When the barrier was broken other runners saw that it was possible and then 16 runners went on to do the same. Excerpt from Breaking Your “Four Minute Mile” by George Ambler

Just like the tortoise and runners of time past, many of the barriers that hold us back today exist only in our minds. The question that begs asking is, “What are the four minute miles that are holding you back in your personal, professional, and spiritual life?” What is keeping you from being everything that God has called you to be? What is stopping you from being the first one in your family to break through the poverty barrier? What limitations have you placed on yourself or have allowed others to place on you? Who told you that you praise too hard and shout too loud?  Why can’t you stay a virgin until you get married? Is it possible you are looking only at the finish line to measure your success, and not the journey? The fact is, the Lord already knows our end from the beginning and He says we already have the VICTORY!

When we cross our final finish line someday, we will all be judged by the One who set the course. No matter how far the finish line may seem, no matter how slow progress may seem, if we keep on course – on the path of the Lord, in His Will, in the Way that He guides us, then we WILL finish the race! “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” ( I Corinthians 15:58).

Heavenly Father, I know sometimes finishing a race can be challenging but very rewarding once I cross the finish line. Lord, give me the strength and energy to persevere to the very end.  Even when distractions come my way, help me not lose focus on what You have called me to do. Help me push through every barrier and complete my ‘miracle mile’ one step at a time for nothing is impossible with You. I thank you that Jesus has already won the victory for us and I have eternal life in Him. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

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Contributing Staff:

Lady Vernon, Chief Editor
Min. Nancy Robinson, Editor & Contributing Writer
Women of “THE WORD” – various writers

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