Over the past few months I’ve noticed that my chosen hobby of running is becoming “mainstream.” Weekend 5Ks and fun runs grow increasingly crowded. Popular marathons sell out regularly — a rare occurrence only a few years ago. People are adding “running a marathon” to their list of life goals.
One big draw of these events is that feeling of euphoria you sense when you accomplish a goal, no matter your skill level. The throngs of people excitedly milling about at the start line, and celebrating at the finish, only add to the attraction.
Recently I experienced one of these fun-packed mornings at a popular marathon in Arkansas. However, sadly, the joy became tinged with a sad sobriety when the day took an unexpected turn. A man walking the half marathon suddenly collapsed at mile 11. He could not be revived.
My wife and I didn’t find out about his passing until arriving back at the hotel after the race. During our drive home, the exhilaration of personal accomplishment turned to somber reflection. As the story unfolded, we found that he had trained for several months and lost a lot a great deal of weight in preparation for the event. That morning the 37-year-old awakened and shared his regular morning devotions with his wife before they both headed to the race. Certainly they had no sense of the impending tragedy that would occur only hours later.
The Book of James reminds us that our lives are “a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (4:8). We often embrace that verse as a reminder to set proper priorities — and for good reason. Wisdom insists that we prepare in this life for the world to come.
But it also reminds us of the uncertainty that surrounds us in this life, how our lives are frail and transitory. When we awaken in the morning, we do so without knowing what joys or sorrows that day might bring.
Many in the world today would dismiss such an outlook as pessimistic or negative. But I believe it’s actually a message that can fill us with peace and hope. God has given us each the opportunity to place our lives in His hands. He wants to guide our paths, shape our destinies, and prepare us for eternity in His presence. When we surrender to His plans, there’s no need to worry about tomorrow. God will fill each day with purpose and joy, until that final tomorrow when we join Him in heaven.
Perhaps you’re struggling with fear today. Maybe the concerns and crises of life seem overwhelming. Cling to the promise that God directs the steps of His people (Psalm 37:23). As He leads you, He will make the way for His plans to come to pass.
If you’ve not asked Christ to become the Leader and Lord of your life, I encourage you to do so now. Tomorrow need not be uncertain. No matter the past, your future can be grounded in an unshakable hope, in this world as well as the world to come.

