The
Ironman Triathlon consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a
26.2-mile run. It is not an easy feat for anyone to accomplish. But Dick Hoyt
participated in the race and completed it with his physically disabled son
Rick. When Dick swam, he pulled Rick in a small boat. When Dick cycled, Rick
was in a seat-pod on the bike. When Dick ran, he pushed Rick along in a
wheelchair. Rick was dependent on his dad in order to finish the race. He
couldn’t do it without him.
We see a
parallel between their story and our own
life. Just as Rick was dependent on his dad, we are dependent on God to
complete our race.
As we
strive to live a God-pleasing life, we realize that in spite of our best
intentions and determination, we often stumble and fall short. By our strength
alone, it is impossible. Oh, how we need the Lord’s help! And it has been
provided. Paul declares it with these insightful words, “It is no longer I who
live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live
by faith in the Son of God” (Gal. 2:20).
We cannot
finish the race on our own. We have to do so by depending on Jesus living in
us.
Faith
connects our weakness to God’s strength. (RBC)
