Following The Wrong Path

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” 1 Timothy 4:1

On July 4, 2023, elite runner Senbere Teferi was just meters away from winning the Peachtree Road Race title in Atlanta again – before taking a wrong turn that cost her $7,000 prize money.

She said that it was a “mental mistake” on her part.

The Ethiopian runner was leading the annual 10-kilometer race, with two other runners from the women’s elite division behind her in the final stretch. Senbere was following the lead police vehicle, which took a right turn and she continued to run in back of it – a crucial mishap that cost her the race.

Senbere, who won the race last year, took third with a time of 30 minutes and 47 seconds – just four seconds from the winning time of 30 minutes and 43 seconds.

Instead of the top prize of $10,000, Senbere walked away with $3,000.

Reflecting back on the race, Senbere told CBS News that she was “relaxed” and checking her watch when she got distracted and followed the motorcycle ahead of her.

“It was just a mental mistake on my part,” she said. “I was wondering why there were still motorcycles in front of us so close to the finish… and not bein able to physically see the finish line from my viewpoint; I just followed the motorbike as I thought they were heading to the line as well.”

In life, it is easy to go down the wrong path. That’s why we need to keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

“Therefore true believers shall not apostatize, but shall stand fast, and shall be kept even to the end.” – Charles H. Spurgeon

“Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you.” – Mark 13:5