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By Rev Don Rivers
As we look forward to the season ahead, make plans and determine our schedule, one of the important things we need to consider is resources. Do we have what we need? How will we use what we have? Where does the provision come from for the adventures ahead? Not all the provision comes from us. Provision for us to live life to the fullest; that is what has been offered to us by Christ. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Have you ever thought about what it takes to do what we do? Those who provide the opportunity for racers to race sometimes go unnoticed. First we need a place to race. As time passes tracks have fallen by the wayside. It takes a thick skin to be a track owner, you never do anything right. Everyone has an opinion on how to do it better. That isn’t only reserved for track owners. Across the board keyboard warriors have made providing racing opportunities a thankless proposition.
Not only for track owners, but promoters, sanctioning bodies, officials, track workers, car and motor builders, and everyone connected with what makes this sport go. They all have stories of someone who thinks they can do a better job. That is not the good side of racing. I have read a few stories of people giving up and getting out, too much drama. But despite that I am thankful to all who provide a way for racers to race.
The road to the track goes through many generations of racers who have come before us and paved the way. Their stories and adventures reveal what it takes to pursue this dream. They have provided a guide for the journey. Their dedication and commitment is there for us to draw on for encouragement. Many of us wouldn’t be here without an example and inspiration to emulate. There is so much we need to consider when we take into account what goes into what we do.
I am reminded of the statement Christ made explaining the reason he came;
John 10:10; NIV; The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Most of the things that we value in life are provided by someone else’s effort. Think about what goes into our daily life. Let’s just take the food we eat. In a different time, this would be a very lean part of the year, our winter provisions would be running out. The garden hasn’t been planted yet. The food available to eat is at the end of its life cycle. That isn’t the case for us though, we just hop in the car and head to the Piggly Wiggly and get what we need. Think about every product on the shelf and how it got there. That’s just one part of our life.
Now let’s take a look at our life. We would not have the opportunity for a full and satisfying life if Christ didn’t come. In the beginning, God provided paradise for us and we corrupted it. Truth is we corrupt most things that are provided for us. We were estranged from God and something had to be done. Christ accomplished on the cross what we could not. His sacrifice provided for our salvation.
Christ demonstrated to us that he is in the provision business, even when we deny Him. If we take a look at the passage in the 21st chapter of John’s gospel we see Jesus providing for Peter and the other disciples. Although Jesus had been through a difficult time he was there for Peter who had reached rock bottom. Peter thought he would be stronger and able to withstand the pressure but he was not. Peter denied Christ.
When Peter thought it couldn’t get worse, he went back to what he was doing before Christ called him, fishing. He failed, all night fishing and nothing to show for it. The night was similar to the night three years ago when he was on the shore cleaning his nets after a night of fishing that yielded no fish. Christ provided on that morning also.
As they sailed to shore the sun was rising and John saw a fire on the beach. Someone was there preparing breakfast. It was Jesus. At the mention of his name Peter left the boat and headed to the shore.
John 21:4-7; NLT: At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. 5 He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?”
“No,” they replied.
Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.
Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore.
Jesus invited them to come and have some breakfast.
John 24:10-15; NLT “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus said. So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn.
“Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead.
After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
Jesus proceeded to restore Peter one denial at a time and give him direction for what he wanted him to do. He provided the forgiveness Peter needed to be useful to God again. Jesus provided for his physical, mental, and spiritual needs.
One of the promises of God is to be there for us and provide what we need. Jesus was there at Peter’s lowest point to provide what he needed most, restoration. Jesus had breakfast prepared because he knew they would be hungry. Jesus had a provision of fish available for them to catch so that their pride as fishermen would be satisfied. Jesus provided the grace of forgiveness for Peter for each of his denials. He was spiritually restored to serve God.
Jesus offers the same to us. Jesus is the source of life. He provided for our life by giving His. He provides completely. He not only meets our spiritual needs, but he provides for our physical and mental needs as well. I would encourage each of us to consider accepting His offer and turning to Jesus for His provision.
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
