When something extraordinarily good happens—give God the
credit and glory. Read Romans 8 28 “And we know that in
all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called
according to his purpose.” His providential
hand is always in it. He gives the skill, ability and judgment. He brings the
right people together at the right time and place. And, he provides protection
and guidance---all for his purpose, and almost always because of the “right
kind” of prayer.”
Again at Summit Point on 09/01/2012, we
finished in First Place in Formula Vee. A little less exciting as we led the
entire FV race, but still just as satisfying. (Video available at WS Speed
Analytics site and on YouTube as MARRS 12.) As I said, when something good
happens—Give God the credit and glory as his hand is always in it. So be it this time too. It is always fun to “do
well” when you know God has blessed your effort.
MARRS 13 on Monday, 09/03/2012 was a
different story and not as much fun. (Video is available at WS Speed Analytics
site and on YouTube as MARRS 12.) I did not start from the pole because of
traffic during qualifying and became very frustrated during the early part of
the race as traffic and race “action” was different than what I expected. It
seemed like many drivers were racing as if every lap was the last lap of the
race. I managed to gain the lead after several laps, but then became too
conservative and “the pack” with help of the “draft” passed me at the end of
the long straight. I tried to give racing room to one “dive bomber”, going wide
in turn 1, but my speed was too fast for the line—I drifted off the outside of
the track and spun—an amateur mistake.
Then, as I began catching up, I passed another competitor and made
another amateur mistake—locking up a rear brake while trail breaking into a
corner and spinning—again! Despite turning the fastest lap time of the race, I
finished way back—almost last—my worst finish of the year.
What a contrast! So what was going on?
Take a minute and again read Romans 8 28 “And we know that in all things God works for
the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”.
So
God was at work on Friday AND Monday, for my good when I won AND when I lost!
It was very clear that I was under God’s protection during my spins—not a
scratch on the car or me.
For many, and especially in my case, figuring
out what “good” could possibly come from losing was hard. It has taken me at
least six weeks of deep thought and prayer. I re-examined the appropriateness of “Competition”
by Christians. I re-examined my belief that my racing was part of God’s plan
for me. I am pleased to say that this
re-examination and prayer is probably exactly what I needed and what God
intended as I have learned a lot.
First, in every competition there are winners
and those who do not win. On 09/03/2012,
I am pretty sure the results were according to God’s plan for me but also for
the driver who won. That driver, a
friend and a good man, won the MARRS FV Championship for 2012 and for him,
winning the Championship AND the last race was important.
So what have I learned? First and most importantly- For Christians, competition
is NOT all about winning. To most “worldly” unbelievers, this seems utter
non-sense. But God’s intent for Christians is that competition should be all
about the “love of Competition” and NOT about the “love of Victory”. It is the love of Money that is the root of
evil—not Money itself nor the “competitive business” activities that are
rewarded with Money. It is the love of Victory that is the root of evil—not Victory
itself nor the activities (competition) that are rewarded with Victory.
(I will be writing a separate and complete
post all about Christians and competition.)
Excess Pride is always a sin. It is hateful
to God and is the cause of most evil.
(It is my personal weakness and only with the Grace of Christ am I able
to overcome it.) Excess Pride is always
the underlying current beneath a love of Victory. A love of Victory focuses our attention on
defeating others rather than simply doing our best and glorifying God. A love of Victory turns potentially beneficial
competition away from fellowship and performance toward ambitious rivalry and
conflict. In any competition there can
only be one “winner” and many times it will not be me or you that God chooses
to help win that day. So, I am convinced
of two things: A) I did not do my best
in Monday’s race when I “lost”—I will apply what I learned next time and
improve; and B) God’s plan that day did not include me being the winner—I needed
a reminder about Pride and he had plans to favor another driver.
Keep in mind that “doing your best” includes
having trust in confidence both in yourself and in God’s providence. When I “held
back” during that lap after taking the lead, being “prematurely conservative”--
it was because I did not have enough trust and confidence. (Funny how Pride and
a lack of confidence/trust can coexist!) Watch the video and you can see I was two to
three miles per hour slower than “normal” entering the most important turn 10-
beginning of the longest straightaway.
This whole racing season has been a wonderful
opportunity for a process of self-examination and personal spiritual growth.
Racing can be a way to further develop your relationship with God through
Christ—to be closer to him. It is that relationship and closeness with him that
is God’s desire for us.
In the end, I must say that I enjoyed winning
two races this year (40% of the five events we completed.) but after careful
thought and prayer, “not winning” produced even more reward/s! Romans 8 28 “And we know that in all things God works for
the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”.
Blessings,
Chaplain Wayne Strout
stroutmail@yahoo.com
After a 25+ year hiatus from racing, Wayne
will be racing his Vortech Formula Vee this year in SCCA National and Regional
Competition. In the 1980’s he was a SCCA Division Champion in GT1 and raced in
the Trans Am series. He also raced Formula Ford and Formula Vee in SCCA and
competed in NASCAR Winston Cup. Wayne is
an Investment Manager/Economist and the Grandfather of nine. He lives with his
wife Carol in Central Pennsylvania.
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