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Dear Shiloh Family,

The stage was set, and it was a foregone conclusion; Norway’s Jakob Ingerbrigtsen would win the 2024 Olympic gold medal in the men’s 1500m race, and Britian’s Josh Kerr would take silver. The projected winner had been very vocal to the point of arrogance during post-race interviews, and the media was happy to oblige.  Of course, the Brit was equally as confident.  The bronze winner was to be a toss-up between a number of athletes.

Deuteronomy 31:8
8 And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed." NKJV

At the crack of the starting pistol, the contest proceeded as if on script. Ingerbrigtsen led for most of the race, and Kerr was close behind. It seemed as though the sports prognosticators would bask in statistical valor. However, after the third of five laps, an American jersey began slowly creeping from near last to the middle of the pack.

As the bell sounded indicating the final lap, the lone American runner, Cole Hocker, started his move.  Sitting in fifth place, he worked his way forward into 2nd position.  An attempted pass on the inside was cut off by the leader, but the determined but patient American regathered and mustered enough energy for one more surge.  Down the homestretch, Cole Hocker streaked past the Brit for Olympic gold.  Feeding off his teammate’s heroic efforts, US’s Yared Neguse, chased down the bronze position.

In a post-race interview, Hocker said he thought God was carrying him across to victory.  He later stated it was definitely “divine intervention.”  Consequently, it was also a new Olympic record.  And, oh yes, the projected winner didn’t even place.

Regardless of what the world may say about you, God controls your future, and He knows best.  Don’t give up!  Keep running the race, keep fighting the battle, and keep your eyes on the finish line.  There is a crown prepared by the hands of Almighty God, secured by the King of Kings.  And remember, someone is watching you and following in your footsteps.  Lead them to victory.  

2 Timothy 4:7-8
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. NKJV

The only race that cannot be won is the race that has never been run.                            

God bless you all, 
Pastor Derrell