Race of Life - Bishop Sam Chidoka

Hebrews 12:1-2 KJV
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

As recent as two years ago I picked an interest in long distance running motivated by my elder brother Osita Chidoka who had found running as a way of keeping fit and maintaining a burgeoning waistline. I have always being a sports person, preferring football because I couldn’t understand the reason people would stress themselves running when no one pursues. I found out with time that running grows on you. On the 6th of February 2017 I completed my first full marathon, the Lagos City Marathon 2017. It took determination and mind over matter to complete that race and in the process I learnt some life lessons that I’ll like to share with you.

Life can be likened to a marathon race but with different tracks for each runner and everyone a winner in their own right. To win this marathon of life, one has to abide by the rules of a sprint which states you must maintain your lane throughout the race or be disqualified for lane crossing. Here are a few lessons from my experience:

Lesson 1
Run your own race

Often times we have the tendency to want to be like everyone else but who God created us to be. God has in his manifold wisdom created every man to be unique, hence, no matter to what extent two people lookalike, they have different finger prints and unique DNA. Even twins have different and unique identities. Our unique individuality should guide our decision making and not the action or inaction of another. Psalm 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. We are specially made, not mass produced, each person is a master piece made by the Most High God for a purpose.

With his understanding, we should pursue our God given purpose and not that of another man. All attempts to be like the Jones will lead to failure, as that is another’s lane and not yours and will only lead to running a race you are not prepared for. During the Lagos City Marathon, a young man, Akeem, (See video below) followed me at about the 10km point. He noticed I was about to overtake him and he pushed to run at my pace. We ran together for another 5kms and he dropped off, he ran my race instead of his! The Kenyan that won the marathon finished in 2 hours 15 mins, at that time I was at the 23km mark! Imagine if I tried to run at his pace! I probably would not sustain that for 5kms.

This is what we do when we try to send our children to same school as our neighbours, buy same cars as our friends or move to certain parts of town. This life is not a competition to see who wins! Run your own race, at your pace and on your lane.

To Be continued......

Bishop Sam Chidoka