“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
Hebrews 12:1
I’ve run a few marathons and have discovered what’s needed to complete a race. I would not have been able to finish without John, my husband and running partner. He encouraged me with his determination and helped me keep a doable pace. The rewards for finishing, a t-shirt and medal, were great incentives. Most of all, I could not have crossed the finish lines without dependence upon God to supply all that I needed.
I’m no longer running marathons, but I’m still running a race. This race has to do with my relationship with God and what He wants me to accomplish here on earth. In some ways it’s more difficult because even though I’m nearing sixty, I have no idea when the race will be done. But my love for the Lord compels me to run.
I want to run this race as a radical lover of Jesus Christ, obeying Him till He calls me home. I need running partners such as my group of praying moms and my small group from church, to encourage me to keep on keeping on. I want them to hold me accountable, to fear the Lord and to walk righteously as I throw off whatever sin or distraction may hinder and slow me down. I desire friends who will help me keep the pace so I don’t burn out. To run this race and to finish well, we need each other and we need the Lord.
J. Oswald Sanders says, “The perseverance of the saints is only possible because of the perseverance of God.” I depend on God to keep my fire of love stoked, so my passion never ceases to burn. I trust my heavenly Father to supply all I need to fulfill what He’s called me to do. I have to have God’s help so I can finish this race and keep the faith. (II Timothy 4:7)
The rewards at the end of this race are so much better than those you receive after a marathon. Like Paul, I’m encouraged to run in such a way as to get the prize, which is a crown that will last forever. (I Corinthians 9:24-25) But for now, the rewards along the journey, deeper intimacy with Jesus and giving God more glory, bring me contentment.
I’m running this race madly in love with God and with radical obedience to what He asks of me. Who will run this race with me?
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Philippians 1:21
Relevant Reflections:
1. Throw off by repentance any sin that hinders you from running the race.
2. Are you accountable to a group who will help you persevere? If not, please find one.
3. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. How can you pace yourself better so you don’t burn out?
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