To Christ Living in Us

by Albert Lee

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20, ESV) 

The Ironman Triathlon consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run.
It is not an easy feat for anyone to accomplish. 
But Dick Hoyt participated in the race and completed it with his physically disabled son Rick. 

When Dick swam, he pulled Rick in a small boat. 
When Dick cycled, Rick was in a seat-pod on the bike. 
When Dick ran, he pushed Rick along in a wheelchair. 
Rick was dependent on his dad in order to finish the race. He couldn’t do it without him. 

We see a parallel between their story and our own Christian life. Just as Rick was dependent on his dad, we are dependent on Christ to complete our Christian race. 

As we strive to live a God-pleasing life, we realize that in spite of our best intentions and determination, we often stumble and fall short. By our strength alone, it is impossible. 

Oh, how we need the Lord’s help! And it has been provided. 

Paul declares it with these insightful words, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God” (Galatians 2:20). 

We cannot finish the Christian race on our own. We have to do so by depend-ing on Jesus living in us. 

I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness. (2 Timothy 4:7-8) 

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Adapted from Our Daily Bread devotion “Christ Living In Us” by Albert Lee, dated August 30, 2011 at https://odb.org/2011/08/30
Accessed 9 Oct 2020.