You may have heard the story of John Stephen Akhwari, the marathon runner from Tanzania who finished last at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. No last-place finisher in a marathon ever finished quite so last.
Injured along the way, he hobbled into the stadium with his leg bloodied and bandaged. It was more than an hour after the rest of the runners had completed the race. Only a few spectators were left in the stands when Akhwari finally crossed the finish line.
When asked why he continued to run despite the pain, Akhwari replied, "My country did not send me to Mexico City to start the race. They sent me here to finish."
The attitude of that athlete ought to be our attitude as we grow older. There is a "race that is set before us" (HEBREWS 12:1), and we are to keep running until we reach the finish line.
No one is too old to serve God. We must keep growing, maturing, and serving to the end of our days. To idle away our last years is to rob the church of the choicest gifts God has given us to share. There is service to be rendered. There is still much to be done.
So let’s keep running "with endurance". Let’s finish the course – and finish strong. – David H. Roper
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus.
Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase.
So bravely run the race till we see Christ. – Rusthoi
READ: HEBREWS 12:1-3
It’s always too soon to quit.