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"Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Hebrews 1 & 2

Have you ever found yourself being extremely cognizant of the weather before a very important event? Last weekend, there were so many significant occasions on the calendar; such as local high school homecomings, weddings, Trunk or Treat, etc. However, for the 26,000 people who registered to participate in the 2025 Detroit Free Press Half and Full marathons, many of us could probably earn degrees in meteorology after the intense study of weather patterns that occurred over the past seven days!

Once again, I am so grateful that God blessed with me the ability to participate on Team World Vision and walk the International Half Marathon to raise funds for children who are in desperate need of clean water. My husband had intended to walk with me, but for the second year in a row, an injury prevented him from completing that desire, so my daughter-in-law was kind enough to jump in and serve as “tribute” this year as my walking partner in His place. Little did she know at the time she signed up of the torrential weather conditions she was about to endure!

On Sunday morning, when the alarm went off at 5:00 a.m., I could already hear the rain pounding on the window as I tried to convince myself that is was just the HVAC system of the hotel.

As we walked into the room where 234 Detroit Team World Vision members gathered before the race, there definitely was an assortment of styles of rain ponchos, but an intense unified passion to still complete the task that waited ahead. Motivated by Scripture verses, the song “I Trust In God”, and a concluding group prayer for the Lord to be with us during each step of the approaching journey, the entire team walked together to the starting line.

As we stood in the dark of the early morning waiting for our turn to approach the starting line, the city’s street lights illuminated the sheets of rain that were falling from the sky, and I felt a constant need to keep thanking Courtney for doing this with me!

When we finally approached the starting line, we also lost the protection of the city buildings, and the intensity of the wind quickly became apparent as well. Although the conditions were far from ideal, when the announcer commanded “GO”, we followed the sea of people toward the Ambassador Bridge, each of us determined to complete the task we came to achieve.

Scripture states, “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Hebrews 1 & 2

There will be times when life will feel like a beautiful summer day when the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and everything is going exactly as we had hoped.

In addition, Scripture warns that each of us will also experience days like last Sunday! There will be occasional life storms that will occur in our lives when we feel pelleted by constant problems and blown around by the intense winds of challenges.

However, in all situations, what is the best solution to move forward? By keeping our eyes on Jesus! Peter was able to walk on water when he kept his eyes on Jesus, but as soon as his attention focused on the winds and the waves of the storm, he began to sink. In desperation, he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord saved him.

How can each of us get through stormy days? By keeping our eyes on Jesus! Have peace knowing that He is always with you, and He will bring peace to any storm that you may be experiencing.

Have peace this week knowing that storms may roar, but our Savior reigns!

Mrs. Palka