The story of Formula 1 race car driver, Ayrton Senna is so compelling that I couldn’t help but write this post to let you know how the whole thing ended. After his victory over his rival Alain Prost (see post on Genesis 33 to read Part 1 of Senna’s story) he went on to win two more world championships. Ayrton Senna was a flawed man, yet greatly loved in his native Brazil, and around the world, for his humble, unassuming nature. In an interview after winning his third world title, Senna talked about how he was happiest when he was learning and improving as a driver, and also as a man. At the end of the interview he made this comment:
“There is a lot to go, a lot to learn, a lot to live, but I have plenty of time.”
I don’t know anything about Ayrton Senna’s beliefs or theology, but I do know that shortly after that interview, on Sunday, May 1, 1994, the morning of the San Marino Grand Prix, Senna woke up and asked God to talk to him. He opened his Bible to a verse that, according to his sister, said “God would give him the greatest gift of all gifts, which was God Himself.” (perhaps the verse was John 3:16)
Later that same morning, while leading the San Marino Grand Prix, Ayrton Senna died as a result of injuries suffered in a crash. He was 34 years old.
“Why aren’t you investing in your relationship with your God?” the old man asked.
“What’s the hurry?” Replied the young man.
Maybe, like Senna, you’re thinking, “there is a lot to go, a lot to learn, a lot to live, but I have plenty of time.” You might be making plans: today or tomorrow we’re going here and doing that, we’ll have some fun, or do some work, maybe make some money. But, really, how do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. (James 4:14 NLT)
Life is short. Eternity is so long that it’s incomprehensible.
The day is coming when you’ll be glad for every minute of time that you devoted to eternal things, heavenly things, those things that please God. And that day is coming much quicker than you realize. So begin now to invest your time, your energy, your focus to growing closer to Christ. Or as Jesus put it, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37) When you realize the brevity of your life here on earth, it’s the only thing that makes sense.
Lord…
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” -Psalm 90:12
[You might also like: Senna Part 1–Senna vs. Prost–Esau Ran to Jacob]
References:
Image via Damien – Creative Commons
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I recently watched the same documentary and came to a similar revelation. It hit me hard to think that out of all the races Senna ran, I wonder if he missed the most important one of all. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24
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Kurt, I must say that after reading your story about Senna it’s clear your insinuating that he wasn’t right with God and he thought he had plenty of time like some silly teenager to live carelessly. I’ve researched Senna and from my Christian point of view if someone rises in the morning to ask God to speak to him I think it’s obvious he’s got a RELATIONSHIP with God. It’s kind of an insult that your making the connection that Senna is like a young man who is not in a hurry. On the contrary, I think it would have been better to make the point that despite Senna’s challenges he was right with God even on the morning of his death because he maintained a relationship with his savior.
Thank you for sharing this James. Most of my research for this blog post came from the documentary film “Senna.” I have zero knowledge of Senna’s relationship with God beyond what little is offered in that film. It was never my intention to imply Senna wasn’t right with God. I simply don’t know one way or the other.
It sounds like you’ve done some research on this specific area. If you’re interested, I’d love to hear what you know about Senna’s walk with Christ.
Thank you for a great comment.
Senna did not speak to his mother about this passage, he spoke to his brother Leonardo. It was his sister Viviane who revealed it in the documentary/movie.
He also passed at age 34, not 38.
Please rectify your text to reflect this.
Thank you! If you have anything else to add, please do share it in a comment.
kurt