London is where they will be centred and, if you did not already know, they take place from Friday 27^th July until Sunday 12^th August. In actual fact, this is the third time we in this country will be hosting the Games.

Not surprisingly, I have chosen as our church ‘text for the year’ Hebrews 12 verse 1, ‘Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.’ What better text could there be?

They are words which speak of giving our all, of going flat out, giving nothing less than our best as Christian ‘athletes’. The verse also talks about perseverance, of ‘Keep on keeping on’, a quality in short supply sometimes in the church!

And this Scripture speaks of a race ‘marked out for us’, a reminder that we each as Christians have our own particular race, our own special path to follow, but that the Lord is our constant companion.

Further, these words make us think about the finishing tape and finishing well. Some believers seem to slacken off as their chronological years mount up. We are meant however to ‘run to the tape.’

Let’s capture the challenge this verse gives. You may never have thought of yourself as an athlete. But you are in God’s sight. So – get running!

                   Anthony Walker