Fall 2024

Daily Devotional: Thursday, May 23 - NASCAR Trinity, Part 3

“Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.” — Proverbs 15:31

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This is the final day of a three-day devotional journey. Until I moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, I was never much of a NASCAR fan. I didn’t understand it, didn’t appreciate it, and just didn’t like it. But now having experienced it firsthand by being at a race, I have great appreciation for it and actually really enjoy it. As I’ve learned more about the sport, something really struck me: the roles of the crew chief, the pit crew and the spotter — and how they relate to the Son (see Tuesday’s devotional), the Holy Spirit (see Wednesday’s devotional), and the Father.

Your car is smooth, feels great, tank is full, and the tires are new, so what next? As NASCAR drivers whip around the track at speeds nearing 190 miles per hour, they have only milliseconds to check their mirrors, look out for other cars, and find their path to victory. No driver — no matter how good or experienced — can see the whole track at once.

That’s why they rely on spotters who sit high above the track to let them know where the other cars are, where potential hazards are, and what lines may be best pursued. Spotters have a direct link to the headset of the drivers with their bird’s-eye view of the track.

A driver must put full faith and trust in the spotter while he also manages communication with his crew chief, pulls in for pit stops, drives the car, and remains quiet and attentive enough to hear the voice of his spotter. That spotter may navigate him through a cloud of smoke he cannot see through, or may have him rub another car, all to protect the driver.

Does this remind you of anyone? I think of God. In the midst of prayer, reading Scripture, and being changed by the Holy Spirit, it is essential that we rest our mouths and tune our ears to hear God’s voice as He navigates us around life’s motor speedway.

— Ryan DiNunzio

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