26.2 “Life’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint!” “Fuel Properly”

In early summer of 1965, a University of Florida assistant coach sat down with a team of university physicians and asked them to determine why so many of his players were being affected by heat and heat related illnesses. The end result was the invention of Gatorade!

The researchers — Dr. Robert Cade, Dr. Dana Shires, Dr. H. James Free and Dr. Alejandro de Quesada — soon discovered two key factors that were causing the Gator players to ‘wilt’

…the fluids and electrolytes the players lost through sweat were not being replaced, and the large amounts of carbohydrates the players' bodies used for energy were not being replenished.

…The researchers then took their findings into the lab, and scientifically formulated a new, precisely balanced carbohydrate- electrolyte beverage that would adequately replace the key components…

…lost by Gator players through sweating and exercise. The end result was the invention of Gatorade!

Life has a way of depleting the inner reserves of the bravest, strongest and most determined!

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 …now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.”

How can one’s life be sustained for the long and demanding journey?

Renewal We are not machines!

“Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:30-31

Patience & Wisdom We are not all-knowing!

“But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no…

“…doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” James 1:4-6

Focus We are not single-minded!

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize…

“…of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

Encourageme nt We are not totally solitary!

“I am with you always, even to the end of the age..” Matthew 28:20

The Key to Getting to the Finish Line! “...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith...”

26.2 “Life’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint!” “Fuel Properly”