The Big Race

During high school, I was convinced to join track and field. Training wasn’t easy. It was hot, and fatigue came quickly under the blazing summer sun.

The day of the big meet finally arrived. I had two single events and a 4 x 400 meter relay. I competed in the hurdles and then ran 200 meters, but unfortunately, the single events were paired just before the relay race.

The exhaustion was too much for a 400 meter run, even a 100 meter, but the team encouraged me. Their faith was strengthening, and I walked towards the starting line.

I was still short of breath when the starter pistol fired, but my legs were tingling with energy. I dashed away with amazing speed and crossed the finish line to hand off the baton.

My heart was pounding harder than ever. I thought I was going to die! Just as I was recovering, my teammates and others began to cheer. We won the race and qualified for state!

In LOTKS Chapter 13 (Helena’s Resolve) Kinsey awakens to Andrius and Caedmon struggling against the spider. She discovers the Bow of Kindor (named Faith), along with the inscription carved into the wood, Believe and not Perish. She takes Faith, recovers her energy and kills the spider. Helena is saved, but the battle continues.

The Bow of Kindor represents the power of our faith. Faith is a weapon to be wielded in battle (1 John 5:4). The inscription, “Believe and not Perish,” is derived from John 3:16. We were not created to perish if we believe in the Author of our faith, Jesus Christ. He can even renew us in times of hardship (Isaish 40:31).

Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1). As Kinsey wields Faith, she is entrusting her aim to someone greater. We will never miss our targets if we move forward in Christ toward the tasks He has set before us.

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.”

1 Corinthians 9:24