When it comes to racing, our greatest desire is to get to the lead and for no one to pass us by. At Road America this year I actually led the first lap, but by the second lap some did pass me and said goodbye. I would have loved to have some racing fellowship with them, to have shared the lead and to have battled with them for the lead, but no, they had to pass me by. I felt rejected and abandoned and they didn't even care.
With God, it’s another story. Where there is faith that looks to Him, He has promised to come to us. He will not pass us by. A couple examples of this from the Bible take place with Jesus being in the midst of many people. On one occasion, a tax collector named Zaccheus climbed a tree to see Jesus. Luke 19:5 records that Jesus said to him, "Zaccheus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." On another similar occasion, Jesus healed a woman because she had faith and reached out and touched him. It's written in Luke 8:48 "Then he said to her, daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."
God's desire is for all to come to Him. 2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." God wants us to be like some food, non-perishable. We all have an enemy called Satan who deceives, blinds, and destroys our
ability to see clearly and come to God. But God gives us faith to battle Satan and to call out to God, "don't pass me by." Even in the crowdedness of our lives, would you climb a tree or reach out to touch this one who brings salvation and healing?
I may be passed by in my next race, but by faith I don't want God to pass me by. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
