For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

I love challenging myself with a fast 5K or 10K . I like the training and endurance of the marathon. However, so many times, even if I have a PR, I think to myself..if only I would have gone a little faster at this mile or if only I had not stopped for water. I always think that I could have run just a little better and faster. I am never “good enough” in my own eyes.

We often have the same kinds of feelings about our spiritual walk. We feel that we cannot be “good enough” for God; we feel that we do not measure up to earning favor from Him. Thank goodness that God does not expect us to be perfect or as some would say “get to Heaven by good works”. Rather, he wants us to come to Him as we are: broken, needy, tired, weary, sinners. He wants to give us a free gift of salvation through His son Jesus Christ who took on all of our imperfections. If we try to reach Him through our own works, we will never be quite good enough. If you have a relationship with Jesus, remember the truth of grace. Quit trying so hard and let Him help you. If you do not know Jesus, ask Him to show you this free gift. Maybe the next time you do not get a PR or you do get a PR, you will think about grace. I know that I will.