East Washingtonian - Your Hometown News Source

We were watching the runners pass by our home during the Touchet River Run and we noticed the leaders were very fast and seemed intent on winning. They were followed by a group of home-town people who we would see daily running the Dayton roads. Next was the group of all ages who smiled as they enjoyed the scenery and waved to those watching the race. Following them came the handicapped and elderly who were just as earnest as the others. As they went out of sight, the orange cones that directed the runners were removed by officials.

Traffic resumed and spectators went into their homes. We, however, knew the race wasn't over. Time passed and finally an acquaintance of ours named Wes came limping by. He hadn't given up the race. Though mentally and physically handicapped, his determination to finish moved him to continue. When it came to the heart of a champion, Wes may have been in first place though it appeared he was last.

The Bible speaks of "the first shall be last and the last shall be first" in God's Kingdom. Instead of judging by appearance, God knows our heart. Those who appear to be perfect, successfully hiding their struggles, may be fooling others, but none of us can fool the Lord.

Where the world sees us as failures to be pitied, God knows the faith we have in Him. He rejoices in us as we trust in the solid promises of His Word. "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus" Heb. 12:1-2.

Pastor Greg Brownell

Dayton United Brethren Church