'Grace' Full Race

“If any of you are suffering, you should pray . . . and keep praying.  And those who have reason to be thankful should continually sing praises to the Lord."  --James 5:13

The big Pinewood Derby race was coming up soon.

Trevor had no carpentry skills which made the task of building a small race car that much tougher.   Within days his block of wood was transformed into a race car – a little lopsided, but certainly unique.  When finished, he was feeling pretty proud - the pride that comes from knowing you did something on your own.

When the big night came, his confidence quickly turned to humility.  His “Pig Mobile” was the only car made entirely on his own.  All the other cars were parent-child partnerships with cool paint jobs and sleek body styles made for speed.

Some of the kids giggled at Trevor’s’ square, unattractive design.  

And so the single elimination event began.  One by one the cars raced down the ramp. To everyone’s surprise – Trevor kept winning!

At last it came down to Trevor and the fastest looking car there.  Just before the final race, he asked if they could stop for a minute.  He wanted to pray first.

Trevor dropped to his knees clutching his funny looking block of wood near his heart.  With reverence, he prayed for more than a minute.  Then he stood boldly and announced, “Let’s do it!”

Trevor watched his block of wood wobble down the ramp with surprising speed as it rushed over the finish line in triumphant fashion.  He leaped into the air with a loud "Thank you" as the crowd roared in approval.

After the race, Trevor faced the obvious question, "Did you pray to win?

"Oh, no,” he said modestly. “That wouldn't be fair to ask God to help me beat someone else. I just asked Him to make it so I don't cry if I lose."

Thank God for the wisdom of children!  Trevor didn't ask God to fix the outcome, he asked for strength regardless of the end result.  When he saw the other cars, he didn't complain to God, "No fair, they had their father’s help."  He asked his heavenly Father for courage.  He never doubted that God would answer his prayer.  He didn't pray to win, thus hurt someone else; he prayed that God would supply the grace to lose with dignity.

My Lord - Sometimes we spend too much time asking You to rig the race, to make us winners, or to remove obstacles in our lives.  Please help me!  Teach me to trust You.   Give me the strength and humility to get through any struggle.