In ancient Greece, the runner who won the Olympic race was not the man who crossed the line in the shortest time, but the man who crossed it in the shortest time with his torch still burning. It was a test not only of speed but of endurance, strength, and focus. The race wasn’t about simply finishing; it was about carrying the flame with you, no matter what you faced along the way.

Friends, life is much like that race. We are moving toward our purpose, striving to cross the finish line. But God isn’t just looking for us to complete the race; He wants us to keep our flame burning. When we start our journey, that torch is lit with passion, faith, and joy. But sometimes, along the way, the winds of life start blowing hard. Maybe it’s the winds of disappointment, or maybe it’s the storm of struggles that seem unending. Sometimes, it’s the simple weariness of carrying that torch day after day.