April 26, 2025 Devo

Today, weather permitting, my wife and I will be doing the last leg of the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. In the Seniors Division, of course. We’ve completed 25 miles of the race already, and today we will run/walk the last 1.2 miles. A man in our church designed the medals for the marathon this year, so we’ll proudly get to wear his artwork.
What’s fascinating about marathons is how many people try to cheat in these events. From people who don’t sign up and just jump in along the way to people who use performance-enhancing drugs. One woman, who supposedly won a marathon back east some years ago, was discovered because her split times along the way didn’t add up. Her last leg would’ve beaten the men’s world record by nine minutes if it had been accurate. Instead of receiving the fame and prestige of victory, she received the humiliation of being stripped of her medal.
Our verse today reminds us that people who do wrong don’t win in the end. No matter what gain they receive, it’s only temporary, and it often comes with shame, public ridicule, and even punishment. That’s why the psalmist tells us not to envy them or be jealous of whatever advancement or wins people like that receive. That may be hard when you feel you’ve been overlooked for a job or not given your due. But the psalmist says that’s where faith comes in.
Don’t miss this powerful thought. Doing the right thing is a trust issue. When we cheat or cut corners or resort to underhanded tactics, we’ve taken our faith in God and put it in ourselves. We believe WE have to take charge of our destiny. WE have to make things “right.” WE have to enact justice.
Faith is trusting God with our destiny. Faith believes that regardless of what the people around us do, God is the One who directs our steps. Faith believes that if one door is shut, God can open another. In the end, God will be the one to reward, and God will be the one to judge. So don’t fret if others cut in line or play dirty to get ahead. Don’t be jealous of them or envy them. “Trust in the Lord and do good.” That way, you’ll be a winner—no matter what place you come in. That’s God’s Word for you today.