IMS 2012: Day 2 Practice
Something miraculous happened on Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Something didn’t go the way we’d planned! Rather, it went the way God directed. We see that a lot. And we’re always blown away when it happens. Today was certainly no exception.
Kingdom Racing had a scheduled meeting for 0900 hours, immediately following a wonderful morning INDYCAR Ministry chapel service led by Bob Hills and David Storvick and featuring the wonderful personal testimony of Indy Lights driver J.V. Horto, a young man rising through the ranks of the Mazda Road to Indy.
However, the meeting did not take place as planned. Instead, it was quite apparent that the people we were supposed to meet were already busy in their day’s labor and were not to be disturbed. To attend the meeting would have only delayed and distracted their activities.
Have you ever shown up for something only to find that there is no possibility of that thing you’ve planned out so perfectly happening at the moment you expected it to take place? The feeling manifested is certainly hopeless, like the cards are stacked against you no matter how hard you try.
But then God stepped in right at the moment we had nothing better to do. He sent someone before us who was familiar with Kingdom Racing and our mission, someone who had specifically been seeking us out since she arrived. She began to open up and ask for prayer regarding several recent tragedies in her life and even shared that she, too, was up here from Texas, working for an organization very close to us this season. As she shared her story, we knew immediately why our meeting had been cancelled. God freed us up to be able to openly fellowship with this young woman. Her story was tragic, but her faith in God was strong as evidenced in our discussion and prayer.
At lunchtime, we joined the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation for a guest hospitality event and were able to spend time with many people with limited physical abilities as they enjoyed a day at the Speedway. It never ceases to amaze to behold the incredible spirit of people with limited mobility. Each and every one of them offer inspiration and are true overcomers of adversity.
As you would know, today’s devotional (http://utmost.org/the-habit-of-enjoying-adversity/) centered around adversity and contained some great quotes.
“And it is adversity that makes us exhibit His life in our mortal flesh.”
“No matter how difficult something may be, I must say, “Lord, I am delighted to obey You in this.” Instantly, the Son of God will move to the forefront of my life, and will manifest in my body that which glorifies Him.”
This thought was summed up by scripture: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:19
After sharing in prayer, we parted ways to face the rest of the day and go wherever God led us, and He led each of us to separate and surprising encounters with those He placed before us. We ran into assorted colleagues and other acquaintances in various scenarios that allowed us to share God’s love in our words and actions. Even in brief passing, we were able to fellowship and let others know the mission Kingdom Racing is on this season.
On the racetrack, the second day of practice continued for Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports and the Nos. 77 and 99 cars, and both turned great times and put in many laps in preparation for qualifications. The No. 99 car hit the track for the first time on Sunday and had no problem getting up to speed.
We acknowledge that it is the thrill and allure of racing that brings people to the Speedway. That is how God puts them before us. Once they are here, we pray for the right encounters to reveal themselves and for God to work through us in the Spirit of Christ. Amen. Amen. Amen!
As Christ Leads,
