The Amazing Race of Faith: Running LAPS with God will Bring Victory
Posted: Wednesday, February 18, 2009
by Teresa Ortiz
Freelance writer/Speaker
I am big fan of The Amazing Race and this season is no different. In fact, I have a new favorite line; "Jodi, I am missing a piece of cheese!" I don't think I will ever eat a piece of cheese again without picturing all those teams trying desperately to maneuver make-shift carriers while keeping the rolls of cheese intact. This however, is not my focus--except to say this show was the inspiration for our women's conference in 2006. The principles I shared at that time seemed fitting for the season--as it turns out, for today as well.
Very few people have not been affected by the state of our economy. Honest, hard-working people are finding themselves in a crisis and are discouraged. Many are depressed and are at a loss as to what they should do. Unfortunately, there are no easy answers or quick resolutions.
Nevertheless, we do have options on how we choose to deal with what comes our way. Some have chosen to abandon their families, others--drugs and alcohol--and sadly, suicide. A tragic solution to a temporary situation. What will you choose?
Contrary to what society has taught us, our value as people and what matters most is not all the stuff money can buy. Family, friends, love, and courage are what give us value.
Nevertheless, we do have options on how we choose to deal with what comes our way. Some have chosen to abandon their families, others--drugs and alcohol--and sadly, suicide. A tragic solution to a temporary situation. What will you choose?
Contrary to what society has taught us, our value as people and what matters most is not all the stuff money can buy. Family, friends, love, and courage are what give us value.
There is a way to have perfect peace in the midst of the storm raging around us. It is possible to run this race called life with victory. The weight of the world does not have the power to destroy our spirit or steal our joy unless we give it the power.
As I was watching the season opener of the Amazing Race, I was reminded of a powerful passage of Scripture.
"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" Hebrews 12:1-2a
Every athlete knows that without training he/she will not have the stamina to endure the challenge set before him or her. It's no coincidence that bikers, runners, or swimmers are not wearing bulky uniforms or shoes.
I suppose one could say that heavy steel-toed boots would be a "weight" or "sin" that would have a negative affect on their efforts. What gives them the endurance they need? I wonder how many laps they do around the track, or in the pool.
So it goes with our life. In order to run with endurance, we need to lay aside the things that slow us down. Individually it varies, for some it's drinking, for others, it's drugs or pornography. All of these things add to our struggles and many times bring on a host of new ones.
Instead of relying on these things, why not get healthy and start running LAPS with God. It takes admitting our way isn't working so well. This by far, is the easiest part, though it might seem hard at first. The hard part is trusting in this new race; the race of faith.
Train for this race of faith by:
L - istening to God words
A - pplying His words
P - raying His words
S - erving others
It's a personal training guide for each of us to use at our own pace. The more LAPS we do, the stronger we will be and the things of this world will no longer have power over us. Now free from weight of our sin, we can begin to live life with victory and joy. These are things money cannot buy and no thief can steal. We will not only finish this race, but we will do it victoriously. And this my friends is worth a lot more than a million dollar finish.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing" 2 Tim 4:7-8
(C) Teresa Ortiz - All Rights Reserved
As I was watching the season opener of the Amazing Race, I was reminded of a powerful passage of Scripture.
"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" Hebrews 12:1-2a
Every athlete knows that without training he/she will not have the stamina to endure the challenge set before him or her. It's no coincidence that bikers, runners, or swimmers are not wearing bulky uniforms or shoes.
I suppose one could say that heavy steel-toed boots would be a "weight" or "sin" that would have a negative affect on their efforts. What gives them the endurance they need? I wonder how many laps they do around the track, or in the pool.
So it goes with our life. In order to run with endurance, we need to lay aside the things that slow us down. Individually it varies, for some it's drinking, for others, it's drugs or pornography. All of these things add to our struggles and many times bring on a host of new ones.
Instead of relying on these things, why not get healthy and start running LAPS with God. It takes admitting our way isn't working so well. This by far, is the easiest part, though it might seem hard at first. The hard part is trusting in this new race; the race of faith.
Train for this race of faith by:
L - istening to God words
A - pplying His words
P - raying His words
S - erving others
It's a personal training guide for each of us to use at our own pace. The more LAPS we do, the stronger we will be and the things of this world will no longer have power over us. Now free from weight of our sin, we can begin to live life with victory and joy. These are things money cannot buy and no thief can steal. We will not only finish this race, but we will do it victoriously. And this my friends is worth a lot more than a million dollar finish.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing" 2 Tim 4:7-8
(C) Teresa Ortiz - All Rights Reserved
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Top-level comments on this article: (9 total)Teresa,Although I am not a watcher of the reality show, this article is great! Thanks for sharing this insighful write with us.HI Ronyae, thanks for reading. I am glad you found it insightful :-) the show is great, I look at these teams and the things they do and I admire their gusto and strength. I have the gusto, but I could run down the block holding my purse without falling over half-dead, much less wearing a heavy backpack.Blessings to you.Teresa,You and me both!Stay Blessedoops, I meant to say couldn't run...Watch the show and live vicariously through them :-)
What a well thought out and beautifully written article. Your faith amazes me girl, I'm proud of how you weave faith with reality but was not sure about your statement that we could one day finally be free of sin and live in victory. That is impossible to do as humans unless you are refering to after death? I'm not pickin here, I just wanted to be clear as I value your insight and instruction. lolMylaHi Myla! Glad you stopped by :-) and thanks for the kind words. To me, faith is reality and life, so it seems natural for me to mix the two, though I don't always do the best job of it. I believe when we look at the Bible as a handbook on life, it makes more sense and it shows how relative its words are to everyday things.I'm glad you asked about the sin part., I know you are not poking and even if you were, I would still love you :-)It is possible to be free from the burden and power of sin on this side of heaven when we put our faith and trust in God, because he gives us the power to overcome temptation. By free, I mean we control our choices and sinful behavior, it doesn't control us. There is a difference between free from the power of sin, and being sin-free. And no, we cannot be sin free by nature of our humanity. I stumble and sin more than I care to discuss, but I have no addictions that weigh me down and destroy my life. Anger and bitterness used to be my driving force, but now it takes a lot, and I mean a lot to make me angry. its a rare thing for me and has been for at least 15 years. This is freedom. The power of Christ in our lives can overcome drug addiction, depression, alcohoism, anger, cheating, gossip, etc. Sinful behavior as a lifestyle, separates us from the perfect peace of God and makes for a lonely life. But like I said, in order to have the power of Christ in us, we first have to come to God in humilty and a repentant heart, admitting our need. As a strong and independant woman, this was the hardest thing for me to do, but by far, the best decision I have ever made.I hope I explained it better.And thanks again chickie--and I am waiting for the day we can have our baby-buggie race around the block :-)Hugs, TeresaOkay, I'm reading you loud and clear now. I love the way you put things and I figured it was just me reading it wrong. Thanks for the great information you put out there for everyone in such a friendly and non-threating way. You are doing a great service and I'm so proud of you!MylaHi Myla, thank you, this is the greatest compliment I can ever receive. I am not out to convert anyone, only make the information available from what I believe to be true and the knowledge I have gained thus far. There is still much for me to learn and I don't ever want to come off as arrogant and all-knowing, but rather, humble and all loving.I am a teacher, not a preacher :-)Hugs,Teresa
Hi Teresa,Amazing Race is one of my favorite shows too, I enjoyed how you related it to your article! Sorry that I haven't commented in awhile but I am enjoying reading them. Thanks for the encouragement! :)Love,LisaHi Lisa! So good to hear from you!! Say hi to Jeff. No problem on not commenting. I am glad you are encouraged!love,Teresa
This is a wonderful article; like a mini Bible study or devotional. Have you considered writing a devotional book? If you haven't, I think you should.But since this is a writing site, I would be remise if I did not mention one word usage error. In the sixth line of the article, the word should be "except" not "accept" - "accept to say that" I know this was just a little 'oops', as you are usually quite meticulous in your grammar and spelling.I love your work.DavidHi David, thanks for checking me--I will go fix that asap :-)Actually, I have written a 30 day devotional; some of which I have shared on SW. I also have 3 in-depth bible studies which are available through my web-site. Small Bible study groups around town buy them. It's been a blessing, but I am praying for a wider audience. All in God's timing. You can add this to your prayer list for me :-) My hearts desire is to do ministry and writing full time.Thanks for the encouragement. I appreciate it bunches!!Teresa
Sistah T, I think this show came on last night. I don't watch that much TV but will say you've piqued my interest in it now.
I agree with everyone else about your gift as a biblical teacher. I've let you know as much. This is an excellent devotional, as David said. I liked the acronym for LAPS. How motivating as an athlete for Christ. Those scriptures are well-known. I was on a telephone call with my 80 year old aunt (by marriage) last night. When she was praying over me, she spoke in part, the first one in her prayer, "the author and finisher of our faith." I am so conscientious about laying aside every weight that can easily beset me. Ooh, how I just love the word of God.
We've got the victory! I pray this will bless others to be victorious too as we face reality but trust in God.
Much love,
AvisHi Avis,It is a great show, you have to watch it, you'll get hooked :-)Thanks for the kind words. You know first and foremost, I love to teach.I agree with your Aunt in prayer. As the Scriptures say, don't use our freedom in Christ to sin, but rather, be free to love and serve without the burden of wondering "have I done enough, Lord?"Blessings to you!! Sistah, T
hi t,these words are priceless: The more LAPS we do, the stronger we will be and the things of this world will no longer have power over us. Now free from our sin, we can begin to live life with victory and joy. These are things money cannot buy and no thief can steal. We will not only finish this race, but we will do it victoriously.i need to hold onto those words at this point, and i'm sure, many more to come.thanks for sharing your thoughts,my best to you,sueHi Sue, I am glad you found this useful. I think we all need this at different times thoughout our lives. I'm praying for you :-)Hugs,t
Teresa, I love your analogy. I believe God has given you a gift. Thanks for sharing it with us.Hi Lorrie, Thanks for the comment. I appreciate the encouragement and I am glad you liked the message :-)
Great article as usual, Teresa. And inspiring. I really like your words from L. A. P. S.Hi Joel, thank you. I am glad it is inspiring. When the pastor's and I talked about the theme of the retreat, God put the LAPS idea in my head. I taught four sessions, focusing on each of these areas. It was awesome. The drama team put a great skit together for it as well.I am glad I could share just a bit of it here.Blessings to you!Teresa
I am learning so much from your articles keep up the good work,
love, MomI'm so happy to hear it mom. Don't hurt your arm. Be a good girl and listen to the doctor :-)
Love you!
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