God Always Delivers-In His Own Time and for Good Reason

Previous posts have highlighted our FV racing efforts and our parallel, related efforts to serve as a Chaplain for SCCA Club Racing at Summit Point, being “salt and light” as Christians are commanded to be by our Lord…Trying to establish a Chapel or Pre-Race Prayer meeting at events so that Christians follow the teaching in Hebrews 10:25 ^“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another”.

25 years ago, I raced for my own glory.  Now, I race for God’s glory…seriously.  This weekend on 6/10/2012, at the MARRS race event at Summit Point, WV, we finished in first place in Formula Vee.  An exciting race it was, with many lead changes and very close competition. This was our third race this year at Summit Point and only our fourth outing in the car…after a 25 year hiatus away from SCCA racing. 

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.

Most will agree that a 61 year old, who hasn’t raced in 25 years, would not normally be able to excel in competitive Formula Vee racing, at least not without a long time of “getting back into the groove”.  So, I submit, my winning a competitive race at this time is only possible with God’s divine providence and assistance. So, like Tim Tebow and Trevor Bayne, I give God the credit and the glory.  Mark 10 in Scripture comes to mind, “All things are possible with God”.  Like the story of Gideon in Judges 7, who was told to reduce the size of his army from 32,000 to 300 to achieve victory, sometimes God chooses to make the “unlikely” occur—to insure that it is obvious that his hand is in it…to be sure his “light” shines more brightly.

What is the “right kind” of prayer?  Christ taught us to pray, giving us what is called the “Lord’s Prayer” or “Our Father”.  It starts with an acknowledgement of God and his status, along with a desire that God’s Will be put above all else. “Thy will be done”  It only asks for what we need to serve Him, our “daily bread”. It asks for forgiveness and protection from temptation and evil.  The “right kind” of prayer does not present “please give me this or that” requests.  Requests are not to be based on vanity or our selfish desire to be elevated above others.  It does ask that we be allowed to be an instrument of God in order for “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”.

God wants to be “connected” to you. He wants to be with you and he wants to guide and protect you. Ask for these things and he will answer your prayers. And in many cases, if it serves his purpose, he may just elevate you so that your light shines before others, as is taught in Matthew 5, ¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”.