When things are going well the time feels like it flies by in an instant. When things are going bad, time can feel like it is standing still. This season of cancelled races can’t last forever, can it? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Whenever my children are faced with a seemingly daunting task, like picking up toys, they usually complain that it will take “forever”. They make sure to emphasize that in a very long and drawn-out voice. The task is too large and with no end in sight they’re ready to quit before they even begin. I insist they can get it done quickly and I usually give them a more tangible goal to start. Over time the job gets done and when it’s done I’m sure to remind them that it didn’t take forever.
During a day at the track when things are good, you don’t want the day to end. The car is dialed in and you feel like you can run 1000 miles. When the setup is off, the checkered flag can’t come soon enough. On any given day at the track, you’ll have two competitors on both sides of this spectrum. Both of them praying that they can change time.
God’s sense of time isn’t the same as ours. God has always been and always will be. Our brains have a hard time understanding that concept. We think of things as having a finite beginning and end. When the green flag waves the race starts, and when the checkers fly the race is over. God’s timing isn’t our timing and sometimes we won’t understand why things happen as they do, but God always has a plan.
Waiting is hard. Currently, we are all waiting and wondering when we’ll be able to get back to the track. It seems like its taking forever. Time seems slow, drawn-out, and with no end in sight. We don’t like having no control over the situation. Fortunately for us, God doesn’t mind waiting. He has his own plan that is good and he has all the time and the world to implement it. When we mess up he’s patient with us and wants us to come back to him.
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 ESV
Let’s look back to a period of time where something seemed to last forever. In asphalt modifieds, from 1978-1985 Richie Evans ruled the track. Eight consecutive touring champions and victories in every major race. There was seemingly no end in sight to how many championships and races he would win. He was the king until his untimely death at Martinsville in the fall of 1985. While Richie’s reign was cut short, God has a Kingdom that will reign forever. There is no end. Best of all, He invites us to be a part of it. When we accept Christ we gain new citizenship.
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,” Philippians 3:20 ESV
Like his kingdom, God’s love will also outlast everything we know. He will outlast this virus. He is good and He has a plan. The scripture even says He will love our great-great-great-grandchildren and beyond.
For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100:5 ESV
While so much has changed in the world over the last three months, it is easy for us to forget that God is still the same, sitting on his throne.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” Hebrews 13:8 ESV
God is still in control and his love for us hasn’t faltered one bit. He still wants a relationship with us no matter how far away we think we are from Him. Maybe it’s been forever since you’ve attended church or even thought about God. God still loves you! Let’s remember that we all have an eternity in heaven waiting for us when we accept the sacrifice that Christ made for us on the cross. We can have a glorious forever with our Father in heaven. Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
