Running the Race

I BELIEVE

Running the Race

MORGAN MOXLEY

When I was a young child, I decided to dedicate my life to follow Christ, and attended College Church since I was a child, but I have recently learned my responsibilities as an adult who is a Christian. With the support from leaders in College Church, I have grown in my faith, trusting in the Lord to lead me in trials and difficult circumstances. My pastors and small group leaders encouraged me to become baptized, which I did here at College Church in 2015. This year, I became a member of College Church to encourage others about my faith. Though I cannot ever explain God’s grace me, I thank him for sending his Son into the world to save lost sinners, to save me. As John declares in his gospel: “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13)

As a student at Wheaton College, I have learned about the importance of the written word to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Lately, God has been teaching me to depend upon his Word as the source of my light and my salvation. In my academic and spiritual pursuits, I want to use my skills as a writer, athlete and teammate to proclaim God’s message of salvation. When I rely on my own strength to endure trials and temptations, I fail to obey God’s commands. I need to learn to depend on Christ to give me sustaining life and hope.

When runners decide to race a marathon, they set goals for each individual mile. They keep pace with each step, focusing on the ultimate goal to finish the 26.2-mile race. In my race as a Christian, I need to run forward for the goal of pleasing God. One of my teammates used to always say this: “Life is like a steeplechase race; you can never anticipate the next hurdle, so you must press forward with endurance for the whole race.” This motivation for racing applies to many other areas of life. I need to perform for Christ each day, whether I stride over the hurdles gracefully or trip over them. When I complete the race, I can confidently say that God was with me, running before me to lead me and give me strength.

Also, I have been struggling to have confidence to boldlyproclaim the gospel. I want to preach to familiar faces,but I know that I must also speak to those who do not recognize the truth of the gospel. I have to truly seek wisdom from God’s Word of truth before I can offer advice to others. I have been blessed by loving teachers, friends, neighbors and parents to help me in my journey of faith.

As I look forward, I have fears and doubts about God’s plan for my life. My friend Emily reminded me that God does redeem his people, even though our faith in his promise is shaky. From God’s Word, I have been reading the story of Ruth, which offers insight into God’s provision in times of famine, despair and confusion. Ruth and Naomi trusted in the Lord to provide bread for their household and sustenance for their daily labors. They needed Boaz to help redeem their household, and he did. God never left them, even when they felt like they were in a crisis. In the body of Christ, we have the responsibility to share our gifts to sustain each member. Recently, I have decided to become a member of College Church to equip me as a leader in my community. I believe that every member of our community has skills to share the gospel of Christ.

All in all, I have a grateful heart for the teaching of Christ in my life, which I have received from my family, friends and College Church leaders. I continue to run the race of faith, trusting in God to help with each step. As Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) In his dying breath, Jesus forgave the sinners on his right and left hands, granting them eternal life. We can believe that God has finished the battle over our sin, forgiving us and giving us new life. I hope to continue to grow in my proclamation of the good news of our freedom as God’s redeemed people.