The Victory Lap

Written By Betty Predmore

1 CORINTHIANS 9:19- 10:13

(August 15)

I am not a good runner. In fact, it is safe to say that I really dislike running. I can power walk with the best of them but running is an entirely different story.

Once when I was in middle school, we were having times 50-yard dashes. Oh, how I dreaded those days! I waited my turn, trying to psych myself into a good run. When my "time to shine" came, I stepped up to the line and waited for the whistle. It blew and off I went. "Wow, I am really running fast!" I thought to myself. When I crossed the 50-yard line, I was feeling pretty good about my run. I will never forget my moment of absolute deflation when my P.E. teacher looked at me and said, "Can't you run any faster than that?" OUCH!

Suffice it to say I will never take a victory lap around a track. I will never hear the crowd cheering me as I smile and wave while passing them by. There will be no "Olympic moment" for me. At least not in the running world.

But I will have my moment, my victory lap, in heaven. And so will you. We get that precious lap by running the race of life, being disciplined in our obedience and training of the things of God. Every step we take is purposeful, intent on glorifying him. We train well so that we don't get disqualified.

Paul reminds us of all those who were disqualified in the past. The Israelites, who were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, even guiding them through the sea on dry ground. They were all baptized, at the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual water.

Despite all this, their disqualification was brought on by their actions. They worshipped idols in pagan celebrations, practiced sexual immorality, tested Christ, grumbled and complained. Because of all of this, they were pulled from the race, with no victory lap coming their way.

Paul warns us not to think we are strong enough, or capable enough on our own. We are to never think we are stronger than the temptations that come our way, because we are no different than those of long ago.

It is to God we must cling if we want to win the race. He is a faithful God that will help us stand strong in our times of weakness and temptation. He will be our cheering section in this race of life. Through him, and only through him, do we get our victory lap.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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