May 6, 1954 dawned wet and windy. As Roger Bannister looked over the track, he knew conditions were not ideal for what he was about to attempt. No one had ever run the mile in under 4 minutes. Some said it couldn’t be done. Yet that was just what Bannister was there to do.
Finally the wind died down and Bannister, with two friends running by his side, started off. Lap after lap sped by under his feet. His legs ached and his heart felt like it was pounding out of his chest. At last, with a final desperate burst of speed, he crossed the finish line in 3 minutes, 59.4 seconds, shattering the 4 minute barrier. Bannister had done the seemingly impossible!
Today, as the sporting world mourns the death of Roger Bannister at 88 years old, I want to ask you a question. What impossible challenge do you face today?
- Is it a habit you just can’t seem to break, a relationship which seems broken beyond repair, or a career move you’ve been afraid to make?
- When you step on the bathroom scales do the numbers mock you, telling you you’ll never lose that excess weight?
- When you walk into work each day does the door closing behind you feel like a cell door locking you into a life sentence in this job you hate?
- Are you struggling to break free from debt, start a business, find a purpose for your life?
Whatever the challenge you face today, don’t despair. No matter how seemingly impossible the task, remember this promise, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Roger Bannister did not have to run his race alone and neither do you. Jesus is with you. This race you are running may seem long, the challenge more than you can bear, but Christ is by your side every step of the way. Trust in Him and He will give you the strength you need to succeed.
Today, if God has put a dream in your heart or a challenge in your path, don’t listen to the voices who would tell you it can’t be done. God doesn’t know the meaning of the word “can’t”. He promises, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” (Mark 9:23)
So, tie up your shoes, stretch out your faith and get into the race! Don’t listen to the naysayers. Keep your eyes on the goal and let Jesus set the pace! Keep running and never forget – with God you can do anything!