Also Ran
I’m not sure they do this any longer, but it used to be that when a newspaper reported on a race they would list the winners – first, second and third place at least – and then include the names of those who also ran, but did not place.
There are times when I feel a bit like an “also ran” in my Christian Walk. I know, I know, it boils down to comparing myself to others, which I should not do. We should not “compare ourselves among ourselves”. [See 2 Corinthians 10:12] I’m just being honest here, in case there are others who might have this kind of a mental struggle.
We cannot help but be impressed by the examples of Paul and Peter, Job, Moses, Joshua – the mighty ways in which they were used by God. Then there are the women like Esther, Ruth, and Mary (mother of Jesus), whose great faith and/or dramatic works are so inspiring. There is Dorcus whose care for widows was renowned.
These pillars of faith inspire us, as they should.
However, on the chance that there are other Christians out there, who are, like me, who are at this point just putting one foot in front of the other every day, counting ourselves successful that we are just continuing to get out of bed each day and walk the walk - not even feeling the strength to try to walk on water, I want to talk to you about being counted among the “also ran” of the Christian rac.
Let me back up and set this up a bit. I set a goal to read through the book of Acts in a week. Just four chapters a day. I always read the Gospels between January 1 and the spring Holy days, but thought reading “the next chapter” in the saga of the apostles made sense for this time of the year. And it has been good to remind myself what happened after the Lord Jesus went back to the Father to wait until the time of His final, victorious return comes.
And because I’ve been thinking about my own, less impressive testimony, I started noticing the folks who get a mention in the book of Acts (and the Gospels for that matter), but then nothing more.
For example, in the Gospels we have a lot of information about James, John and Peter. A little less about Andrew, Philip, Matthew and Thomas. What about Nathanial? Simon the Zealot? Judas, not Iscariot (he its literally mentioned that way in John 14:22)?
In the book of Acts, we mostly learn about Peter and Paul. But we also learn about Pricilla and Aquilla, John Mark and Barnabas.
Do you recall Eutychus? No? He is the young man who fell asleep during Paul’s preaching, fell from the rafters and had to be resurrected by Paul. How about Agabus? He prophesied to Paul that he would be bound, hand and foot, and turned over to the Gentiles. How about Publius? He opened his home to Paul and his entourage after they were shipwrecked on Malta.
Small mentions. Small acts. They were “also ran” folks in the great story of Paul’s ministry.
And for every one-time mention, there are dozens (maybe hundreds) in the room where it happens that are not mentioned at all.
But here’s the thing. We know that with God there are no “also rans” among the faithful. We each are important enough that God knows the hairs of our heads. [Matt. 10:30; Luke 12:7] There are no “lesser acts” with God. We know that even something so small as giving a drink of water to another believer is counted with God.
Matthew 10:42 [NIV] “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward."
We might be more impressed with the person who builds dozens of orphanages than the person who helps one child in foster care feel loved and wanted. But the Bible indicates that the Father views all acts of kindness as worthy of reward. Every kind act is noted. That call to the widow. That time you donated canned goods or gifted a prom dress. Your prayers for a hurting friend.
Sweet sisters, God is not calling “also rans” to His work. Judging our stories, our acts, our testimony by comparison to others is a Satan-supported human construct. Because God cares deeply for every human being on the planet, every act we do that shows we care for His a child of His touches His heart.
So, if you ever feel like an “also ran” because your time or health or resources or opportunities seem small, or if you feel your testimony is boring, know that God’s plan for you is unique and valued. All we have to do is do what He leads us by His spirit to do – what He gives us resources to do.
Sure, your work may not get written up in a book of the Bible, but it is definitely written in heaven and on the heart of God. You are not an “also ran”.
So, run YOUR race, sweet sister. [Acts 20:24] You will be counted among the blessed.
I welcome your thoughts, comments and questions. You can write me in the comment section or any time at Nancy@DynamicChristianMinistries.org