On March 5, 1987, an Irish world record holder in the 1500 meter dash was running a qualifying heat at the world indoor track championships in Indianapolis, Indiana. With just 2 _ laps to go, he tripped and fell. But he got up and with great effort managed to catch the leaders of the race once again. With only 20 yards left in the race, he was in 3rd place. That would be good enough to qualify for the finals. He turned to his left to see if anyone was coming close behind him and when he didn’t see anyone he slowed his pace just a little. After all, his place in the finals was in the bag.
What he didn’t see was the runner coming up fast on his right on the outside lane. In the last few yards of the race, the runner passed him and took 3rd place, bumping him out of the finals completely. Just one moment of relaxing his race cost him a chance at the championship.
Don’t be tempted to quit at the end of your race. Keep on running with patience the race that is set before you. There’s a crown of life waiting at the end. Don’t let Satan cheat you out of it!
From James May’s Sermon: The Lion’s Den