Fresh Bread: SPEED
When one thinks of horses, one thinks about two major things: Power and Speed. For example, horsepower measures the strength of an automobile’s engine. And when it comes to horses, who isn’t at least aware of the sport of horse racing? In fact, watching horses race is such a thing of beauty that movies such as Seabiscuit and Hidalgo were financially successful, both earning over $100 million.
Last month a horse by the name of “Rachel Alexander” won The Preakness in Baltimore, which is the middle portion of horse racing’s triple-crown (the other two being The Kentucky Derby and The Belmont Stakes). What made the winner of this race so exceptional was that it was the first time in 85 years that a female horse (a filly) beat out the male horses (colts) in such an event.
In these most difficult times, I want to take you on a journey toward victory against the tremendous odds that you are facing today. I want you to join me on an exploration of a book in the Bible that I believe was written specifically to produce a winning attitude. That book is called “Philippians”. The word “Philippians,” which is derived from the name Philip, means: Lover of Horses. There’s a Scripture found in Jeremiah that states “So, Jeremiah, if you’re worn out in this footrace with men, what makes you think you can race against horses? And if you can’t keep your wits during times of calm, what’s going to happen when troubles break loose like the Jordan in flood?” (Jeremiah 12:5, The Message Bible). Today life seems to be racing at such a pace that people of all ages are growing both weary and exhausted. And, as Jeremiah indicates, it’s only going to get worst.
There are very few individuals in the Bible who’ve had a more hectic and challenging life than the Apostle Paul. Yet, he not only exceeded the foot speed of other men, he seemed to thrive during when life’s challenges came with the speed of horses. How else could he write such words as “Rejoice in the Lord always…” while he was in prison for doing God’s work?
The Book of Philippians is Paul’s thank you letter to the Philippians, and it focuses on “living a life full of joy in Christ.” I believe that during these challenging and discouraging times, the verses within this letter will add both speed and power to your walk with God and your journey toward your destiny. Join me as together we explore how to live a life full of joy. Paul did it, so it has to be possible.
Stop and Think: List three of the greatest challenges you’re facing right now!
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It’s actually not correct to state that this is the first time a filly has one “such an event” if you are talking about Triple Crown races. Rags to Riches won the Belmont Stakes in 2007. There have been two other fillies who have previously won that race. Three fillies have won the Kentucky Derby (out of 39 entrants). Fillies aren’t given the same opportunities to win these high-stakes races as colts are. They just aren’t entered to begin with. The previous owner of Rachel Alexander had “counted her out” of the Preakness. Jess Jackson (of Kendall-Jackson wines) bought her only a week before the Preakness and entered her, recognizing her innate capability. He took a chance on her knowing he would catch some heat for entering a filly if she did poorly. The jockey who rode Rachel Alexander had ridden the Kentucky Derby winner, Mind that Bird, but decided to ride her in the Preakness instead. What’s most remarkable about this race, though, is that she won from the outside position. She’s the only horse (male or female) to ever win from the outside position.