Faith on the Frontstretch: Denny Hamlin and Humpty Dumpty, wrecked by the wall

Hamlin waves to fans during driver introductions
Credit: Debbie Ross for Skirts and Scuffs  

“...and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” ~ Hebrews 12:1b

What do Denny Hamlin and Humpty Dumpty have in common? Each was the victim of an unfortunate “wall” incident that ended with a fracture.

According to the nursery rhyme, Humpty Dumpty’s descent from the wall was his ruin. All the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t reconstruct him. It was a sad ending for such a dapper egg, especially at Easter, when he might have been an egg hunt superstar.

Thankfully, as a result of God’s mercy and in-car safety equipment, Hamlin has a much better prognosis than Humpty Dumpty. After his accident, as we waited for a definitive word from Hamlin’s doctor, NASCAR nation prayed for healing. And the miracle of the human body promises that his fractured back will heal in time.

NASCAR and nursery rhymes aside, the reality is we are all broken in some way. Each of us has had a “wall” experience or two in life that left us tattered and scarred. Sometimes we attempt to handle problems on our own and try to appear strong. Other times we lash out in anger and despair, screaming “It’s not fair!” when no one is around. Back and forth we go, faking strength for a while and then buckling under the weight of our sorrows in private moments. It’s a terrible cycle that leaves us fearful and hopeless.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Whether your pain is from an accident, your own mistakes or consequences of someone else’s actions, there is hope. Unlike Humpty Dumpty’s fairy tale king, there’s a real King who can put you back together again. His name is Jesus. He has the strength to hold you up through any trial and His power is infinite. Will you trust him with the cares of your life? Remember, even death could not keep Him down!

Aw, come on, that Jesus guy was just a religious teacher from years ago, you may think. Really? His 33 years on earth affected more people throughout world history than any other person … ever. So I challenge you with something my pastor said in our Easter service. If you don’t know Jesus, pray this simple prayer: “Lord, reveal yourself to me.” This little request can begin your faith journey.

If you feel a stir of hope as you’re reading this, that’s Jesus tugging at your heart. If you often feel like an empty, hollow shell and long for something to make you feel alive and excited, that’s Jesus drawing you to Himself. And if you’ve had an unpleasant “wall” incident lately, He can help.

Jesus loves you so much. He longs to set you free from trudging through the muck of life all alone. Faith in Him isn’t about rules or religion; it’s about a relationship with the King of everything.

If celebrating Easter has always been more about colored eggs and chocolate bunnies than about the resurrection of Jesus, maybe it’s time for a change. Go ahead, pray those five words. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

“Jesus, reveal yourself to me.”

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. ~ Matthew 28:5-6
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Want more racing devotions? When you donate $25 to Skirts and Scuffs, we’ll send you a complimentary copy of Beth’s book, Race Fans’ Devotions to Go, a month-long, pocket-sized devotional book for female racing fans.

“Faith on the Frontstretch” appears every 1st & 3rd Wednesday and explores the role of faith in motorsports. Comments or twitter follows welcome: @bbreinke. See you on the Frontstretch!