“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Timothy 4:7
Jennifer bent down and checked her shoelaces. As she went through her warm-ups, the spring sunshine lit her face.
Jen the runner. Jen the track star. Jen, wanting with all her heart to be a champion athlete.
But that was then. Her old school. The one where she knew everyone, and everyone knew her. Once, her friends would have come alongside the track, giving high fives, cheering her on. Yes, that was then.
Now, deep inside, Jen felt lonely. Can I run like I did when I had friends surrounding me?
Looking around the field, Jen saw the long white lines someone had sprayed on the grass that morning. Everything was ready for the school field day. Yet her thoughts weren’t on the hundred-meter dash. Instead, she noticed Mona, a classmate who would run against her. I wish I could laugh and feel sure of myself the way she seems to do.
Two months before, after Jen’s family spent a lot of time praying about it, her dad bought a restaurant in town. He believed God wanted them here. Jen had to admit that she thought so too, but it was hard being the new kid in town.
Then, Jen remembered a song her dad had played on the piano the night before. Trying to work up her courage, she hummed softly to herself. In my life, Lord, be glorified. Be glorified.
As Jen walked over to the starting line, she prayed. Whether I win or lose I want to honor you, Lord. Lifting her head, Jen smiled. Yes, that was what mattered most. Honoring God. Even more than winning. Even more than fitting in at her new school. Today she was going to honor God by running to the best of her ability. After all, God was the one who gave her the ability to run. And she wanted to thank him for it.
Like Jen, you can honor God by appreciating the good things he’s given you. Maybe he made you a great artist. Paint a picture! Maybe you’re awesome at basketball. Shoot some hoops for Jesus! God loves to watch you try your best. It’s another way you can worship him.
More to Explore: Hebrews 12:1
Girl Talk: What are some things you love to do? How does it make you feel to know that you can honor God just by enjoying them?
God Talk: “God, thank you for giving me the ability to do . Help me to do it with an attitude of worship. Amen.”
From Girl Talk by Lois Walfrid Johnson