Cautions, Yellow Flags and Pit Stops

Living in the South, Nascar racing is a big deal.  Our city is home to the Nascar Hall of Fame and Charlotte Motor Speedway.  Other than dirt-track, I have never been to a race, and don't foresee it in my future.  I don't think I would get all warm and fuzzy listening to "vroom-vroom-vroom" for four to six hours while dodging beer cans and flying turkey legs.  Don't take offense, my friends and family who madly love it!  It just isn't for me.

Even though I don't follow racing, I recognize parallels between racing and the Christian life.  A driver preparing for a race must be properly clothed--fire suit, gloves, racing boots, and helmet.  Race cars are specially outfitted also; not just for speed, but driver protection as well.  They are designed with roll cages, special seats, harnesses, fire extinguishers, and communiation devices.

When faced with life's cautions, yellow flags, and pit stops, Christians must put on God's protective armor.  Without it, we cannot stand strong..or stand long.

• "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:13-17

Nascar racing is probably the only major national sporting event that continues to offer an invocation and prayer prior to the beginning of a race.  Prayer is our communication system with God.  He's available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

•  ^"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." Ephesians 6:18

Life is full of obstacles and temptations to divert our focus from our calling and destination.  Just as a race car driver communicates constantly with their pit crew, Christians need each other for support and accountability.

• "Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near." Hebrews 10:25
• "And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart." Ecclesiastes 4:12 

Drafting is a practice commonly used in racing.  Racers position themselves closely behind the car in front of them, reducing air resistance on both cars, the first pulling the second car along, lessening engine exertion, and actually increasing speed for both cars.  Likewise, we should stay close to Jesus,  relying on His strength and direction.

• "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

A racer does not worry about what is behind.  He is focused on what lies ahead:  the finish line...the checkered flag..the winner's circle. 

• "I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize." Philippians 3:13
• "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;" 2 Timothy 4:7

 At the end of life's race, I long to hear God say, "Great race, Laney.  You may not have finished first, but you finished well.  Come in and rest."

Copyright 2011 Charlotte Laney