Run the Race
February 19, 2008
By Paul Veliquette
I have been blessed during the years of my ministry to
connect with many great men and women of God. They have taught me so much about
being faithful and faith-filled. Hebrews 11 is an awe-inspiring list of people
of great faith. It is apparent to me that the chapter has not yet been
finished. The “cloud of witnesses” continues to grow every day as others
demonstrate that kind of faith.
One such man is Paul Bruton, son of missionaries. Paul and I
were part of the leadership team at Bethany Bible College during the presidency
of Richard Foth. When I think of my friend Paul, I immediately remember his
great love for God and for students. Paul filled a variety of roles at the
college including campus pastor and dean of students.
Paul was a disciplined man known for his early morning runs.
He was strong, vigorous and physically fit … until he was diagnosed with
multiple sclerosis. Paul was in the prime of life and now faced the disastrous
effects of this debilitating disease. Paul, being the strong silent type, did
not talk much about it or share his condition.
The amazing thing for me was the fact Paul continued to run
for many months without any sensation in his lower body. Hebrews 12:1 says,
“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” (NIV).
That was Paul! I was saddened when I heard Paul had stepped
from this world into the next. But I rejoiced to know his race was over! He had
run with all his might toward the end of the course and received his winner’s
crown.
Sometimes I am such a weakling. It is amazing the small and
insignificant things I can let get in the way of my running the race of faith.
The joy is not in the running itself; it is in the completion of the course, my
course, the one my God has laid out for me. Here are some reflective questions
to ask.
1. Do I know with great certainty what my course is?
2. If not, how can I find it?
3. How tough am I?
4. What are the typical things, hindrances, or sins I allow
to divert me from my race?
5. Who knows about my struggles?
6. Who will be influenced to make the ultimate decisions of
faith because I am running and running well?
Get your running shoes on and go for it!
— Paul Veliquette is pastor of Windsor (Colo.)
Assembly of God.
