Looking back to May 2nd, 1980—just before my 18th birthday—I was watching the race on television when Dan Fogelberg took the stage during the 106th Kentucky Derby, mesmerizing everyone with his celestial voice. He introduced “Run for the Roses,” a song born of passion, written in just two days, and destined to resonate with themes of victory forever.

Today, those lyrics still move me:

And it’s run for the roses

As fast as you can

Your fate is delivered

Your moment’s at hand…

(I especially cherish that he mentions Western Kentucky—in his lyrics 🥰)

It’s a fierce three-year-old Thoroughbred—whether colt, filly, or gelding—bursting forward in every legendary Kentucky Derby, embodying the race’s exhilarating intensity. This race isn’t for the timid; only those with extraordinary stamina and raw strength can push through the grueling 1¼-mile challenge.

Hebrews 12 echoes this call: “Let us run with endurance the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.” 

In 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, it inspires us to run this spiritual race with purpose—many compete,

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.”

Yes, speed matters, but endurance is the ultimate key to triumph. How many times have we marveled at the majestic power of Kentucky Derby horses?

This reminds us that, just as horses race for those beautiful roses, we chase God’s promises—longing for something far greater than a fleeting trophy.

Scripture illuminates our journey with power:

In Hebrews 12:1-2, we’re encouraged to run with perseverance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Also, the scripture compels us to throw off everything that hinders us (shed every burden and press onward unwaveringly toward Him who is our hope and strength).

Yes, worries weigh us down—just as jockeys in the Kentucky Derby must meet strict weight requirements of 126 pounds, including gear, emphasizing discipline and focus.

Paul’s powerful words in 2 Timothy 4:7-8 declare victory: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Isaiah 40:31: those who hope in and wait upon the Lord will have their strength renewed, enabling them to overcome exhaustion, “soar” like eagles, run without weariness, and walk without fainting.

Acts 20:24 reminds us of our purpose: to finish the race and testify to God’s grace.

Remember, our race is a marathon—an adventure of perseverance and discipline, not just a quick dash! We cast aside every obstacle and run with fierce purpose, striving for an imperishable crown—the eternal reward awaiting us in glory.

When the victorious horse crosses the finish line, it’s crowned with over 400 radiant roses—yet these flowers fade. The crown we seek is eternal life, a priceless gift from our Lord—an everlasting treasure.

This reminds us that, just as horses race for those beautiful roses, we chase towards God’s promises—our goal is for something far greater than any fleeting earthly reward. 

Let’s run with unstoppable diligence, purpose-driven and unwavering. Live boldly in faith, courage, and steadfastness, eager to seize the eternal prize.

Run with all your might, ignited by faith, driven by His calling, destined for victory! Amen.