Run the Race
When I lived in Chicago, some friends and I started running races together. We began with 5K races and worked our way up to half marathons. It was exhilarating to run and complete numerous 13.1-mile courses in multiple states. I must admit I enjoyed the discipline of training each week and the weekend long runs.
Training for and running a long-distance race is a journey. I attended running classes, read articles, and followed my “Couch to Half Marathon” app. Building up strength and endurance took time, but when I crossed the finish line on race day, the work and effort were well worth it. I experienced great joy and satisfaction!
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
- Hebrews 12:1-2
Many years ago, I went to visit my friend, Carol. She was now on hospice care at home. We shared memories of time spent together and talked about our personal relationships with Jesus. Her words, “I want to finish well,” still echo in my mind. I knew this would be my last visit with her. We cried together, held hands, and prayed before I said goodbye that day.
A short time later, I received a text from her husband informing me that Carol had finished her race on Earth and was now in the presence of her Savior, Jesus. It was a memorable day, as I received this news while visiting the Garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem. Carol had endured and run the race well.
In this race of life, progress will not be smooth and linear. There will be days when we feel weak and tired. We will face trials and struggles along the course of life. Some days, we will square off with an uphill jog. Other times, the wind will be at our back on the downhill sprint. There will be days when we need to walk but later enjoy dashing ahead for a while.
The writer of Hebrews encourages us to set aside anything that hinders us—extra baggage and the sin in our lives—and run with endurance. He reminds us that Jesus experienced great suffering and pain on the cross because He was focused on the joy set before Him. We must keep our eyes on Jesus – He’s the champion!
Head to Heart
What does your race of life look like today? It is helpful to identify our circumstances, struggles, or hardships. I encourage you to write some of these items on a piece of paper. Then, take that page and go outside for a walk, a jog, or sit down on a bench. Talk to the Lord about each item and ask Him to fill you with the strength, determination, and energy to press on. Jesus wants each of us to run the race and finish well. He is our perfect example!
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