Several NASCAR racetracks nationwide have tunnels under the track so fans can enter and leave the facility without interrupting on-track activities. Over time, the track over the tunnel tends to settle, causing a dip or bump in the racing surface.
Imagine driving a racecar at speeds close to 200 mph with mere inches separating you from 39 other cars. For every lap, you must prepare and adjust as you approach the tunnel turn and cross over that dip in the track.
Drivers describe what happens to the car as bottoming out, bouncing, or losing momentary traction. Most say it “upsets the car,” which is proven by the many accidents that result.
It’s one thing to hit that tunnel turn when the cars are all in a line, but it can be quite unsettling when they’re running in a pack. One mistake by any driver can lead to a crash involving many. A driver, completely focused and on their line, can be suddenly caught up in the error of another.
Life is that way—it’s rarely a smooth and easy track. We can be focused, heading in the right direction, when wham, we hit a bump in the road that upsets our life’s trajectory. Or we get knocked off the track by some other person’s mistake.
Bumps in life come in all forms—illness, job loss, death of a loved one, ending of a relationship, financial loss, addiction to drugs or alcohol, arrest, or even incarceration. The fallout from such situations can impact us for years.
The apostle Paul is an excellent example of someone who faced various trying bumps. Second Corinthians 11:23–28 says Paul was persecuted, beaten, whipped, stoned, lost at sea, shipwrecked, hungry, thirsty, and exposed to harsh elements, just to name a few. But no matter how painful or unsettling the bump, nothing and no one could hinder Paul from pressing toward the goal to which God was calling him (Philippians 3:14). He was determined to finish his race.
You can determine to be an overcomer just like Paul. Refuse to get angry or cast blame. Don’t be anxious, either. Instead, pray to God. He will give you the strength and peace to move forward (Philippians 4:4–7).
Often, the enemy, Satan, will try to take you out of the race. He sends various trials in the form of people and circumstances to distract and unsettle you so that he can steal your victory (John 10:10). But no matter what he sends, no matter how big the bump or crash, your race is not over.
God can produce something beneficial from even the most painful trials. If we let Him, He will use those bumps on the road of life to teach, mature, and strengthen us, as well as bring His work in us to completion (James 1:2–4).
Have you ever thought about what happens in heaven when you’ve been spun off track? According to Romans 8:26–27 and 8:34, the Holy Spirit and Jesus are praying to God the Father on your behalf. They are interceding, asking God to help you overcome. Hold on to that truth—Jesus and the Holy Spirit are your prayer partners!
Bumps in the road are complex, and they hurt. I know. But take a moment, be still, and remember that God is God (Psalm 46:10). Your race isn’t over unless you quit.
God will always be on your side, helping you and working everything out for your good (Romans 8:28). So go ahead—thank Him and then celebrate in advance what God is about to do.
“The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all” (Psalm 34:19 NIV). So don’t give up, and don’t give in. Like Paul, forget the past, look toward the future, and press on toward the heavenly prize that’s waiting for you (Philippians 3:12–14).
RANDY CLAYPOOLE’s career in auto racing spanned 26 years. During that time, he served as a NASCAR chaplain and public relations/media representative. He also owned and operated the ISCARS Dash Touring Series, a professional auto racing series. As a member of the Victorious Living prison event team, Randy helps those who feel disqualified for God’s race get back on track.
