Cheered for the Finish (Part One)
“So cheer each other up with the hope you have. Build each other up. In fact, that's what you are doing.” (NIRV) 1 Thessalonians 5:11
As the new year races ahead, we often find ourselves inspired to adopt new actions that help us grow and improve. One of the most impactful forces on this journey is cheering – the encouragement we give and receive (Proverbs 12:25; 15:30; 16:24). A well-timed cheer can be the key that transforms struggle into success, lighting the path to victory. Receiving such encouragement is both a privilege and a deeply humbling experience.
A remarkable example of this occurred in the 2012 cross-country race in Spain. Abel Mutai, a Kenyan runner, mistakenly believed he had finished the race and slowed down just before the actual finish line. Misled by the crowd's cheers, he thought his race was complete. In an extraordinary act of sportsmanship, Iván Fernández Anaya, a Spanish runner, refrained from exploiting Mutai’s mistake. Instead, he guided Mutai to the finish line, showing that a sincere, guiding cheer from one individual can be more powerful than the collective noise of a crowd.
Iván’s actions offer several profound lessons. True encouragement is not about seeking personal glory, but about lifting others up. Wisdom and compassion are essential when external signals lead us astray. Furthermore, the instruments of our victories are under God’s watch and often come from unexpected sources, reminding us to remain open to the help and godly guidance of others.
Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust in God’s wisdom: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." May we seek God's guidance and discernment in the cheers we receive, ensuring they lead us toward the right finish line, both in this life and beyond. Amen.