"...Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith..." (Heb. 12:1-2)

On March 6, 1987, Eamon Coughlan, the Irish world record holder at 1500 meters, was running in a qualifying heat at the World Indoor Track Championships in Indianapolis. With two and one-half laps left, he was tripped. He fell, but he got up and, with great effort, managed to catch the leaders. With only 20 yards left in the race, he was in third place - good enough to qualify for the finals.

He looked over his shoulder to the inside and, seeing no one, he let up. But another runner, charging hard on the outside, passed Coughlan a yard before the finish, thus eliminating him from the finals. Caughlan's great comeback effort was rendered worthless by taking his eyes off the finish line. (From Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching, p. 178).

It is tempting for the Christian to slack off when the sights around him look favorable. However, let us continue to press toward our goal, always looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.