Finishing The Race

Amber Neben was diagnosed with spinal meningitis at the age of four and doctors said she would not likely live.  Even if she managed to survive, they said she would have brain damage.  Friends began to pray for her, which resulted in her parents becoming part of a church family and set Amber on a faith walk that would become a true race as described in the Book of Hebrews:

"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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (12:1-3).

Overcoming the ravages of meningitis, Amber became a runner but stress fractures brought that dream to an early end.  Undaunted, she took up cycling, which resulted in a professional career as a UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) category 1 racer.  She was picked up for the road world championship team in 2001 and 2002.  In 2003, she was placed on probation for testing positive for. A banned substance that proved later to have been the result of consuming contaminated supplements - although unintentional, she had to serve a six-month ban.

Amber missed the Olympic team in 2004 by 8 seconds, and in 2007 she was treated for melanoma.  However, despite those barriers and a number of severe injuries from cycling crashes, Amber made the Olympic Team in both 2008 and 2012.   She attributed her ability to stay on course despite her many roadblocks to a living faith in Christ: "Living a life that reflects Christ, walking in a way that honors God and is real, and being genuine in the who you are is huge.  People need to see Christians live a Christian life."

Life can be very difficult at times.  You can count on challenges to any worthwhile goal.  And, in particular, you can count on barriers to your faith, to walking in the Light, to finishing the race marked out for you by Christ.  The Enemy does not want to to succeed in giving a platform for your witness, your walk of faith.  He wants to steal your joy by dashing your dreams.  Above all, Satan wants to derail your race, causing you to take your eyes off Jesus, becoming weary and giving in.

Do you feel the drain?  Do you hear the voices telling you it is all too much?  Have you begun to wonder if you can truly make it?  Don't listen to the lies!  Keep your eyes focused on Jesus and your feet on the path set before you.  Listen to the encouragement of the heavenly hosts and loved ones who have gone on before you.  Finish the race!  Despite the challenges, "[You] can do all things through Christ who gives [you] strength" (Phil 4:13).  Jus' Say'n.