“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 11:1)
Spring is just around the corner. With temperature rising, it seems like every day there is an increasing number of runners taking to the streets; training for a local marathon race that is fast approaching.
Now there are some champion distance runners in my family, but I’m not one of them. However, I was convinced by one of my daughters to run in the city’s annual mini-marathon one year. Did I run? I will admit up front I did not. From the moment I agreed to run, I was fully aware that for me, it was going to be a walk. The challenge would be to stay the course and go the distance.
On the day of the marathon, I dressed like a runner, talked like a runner and walked around eating pre-race energy food, just like an experienced runner’s routine. Doesn’t that remind you of some folks, unlike you, who show up for church dressed like church folk, talking like church folk, and seemingly digesting the word of God before the call to worship, just like serious church folk?
Back to the race. Waiting for the start, hundreds of runners surrounded me. At the starting line I could see the TV cameras rolling and air personalities reporting. Trying to look good for the TV cameras and onlookers who lined the streets, I ran the first mile, pretending that the agony of my feet had not already set in I won’t lie. It set in after the first three blocks. My run turned quickly into a fast-paced walk. On the side of the road, I noticed piles of discarded jackets, tee shirts and sweatshirts, thrown aside by runners who had shed garments that were weighing them down. I was ready to abandon the race, tempted to collect the discarded attire and add to my personal casual wardrobe. Doesn’t this remind you how easily God’s people can be easily distracted by things outside of the path we are to follow, running the Christian race? Back to the mini-marathon race; good news! I finished without stopping once! Others might have run the course better and faster, but I stayed the course and went the distance
In your Christian life, you may have trained like others, working out in the spiritual gyms named Bible Study or Prayer Closets, but be honest, hasn’t it been a challenge to stay the course at times? But remember that you registered a special race when you confessed Jesus! Now you may get tired, burnt out, weary, and question you reason for running. Nevertheless, you must stay the course and go the distance, as my Pastor would say, “Anyhow!” Witnesses are watching you! So run on today, looking forward to the time when you will be able to share with others a testimony that sounds like the Apostle Paul’s words found in the verse below. Be blessed!”
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King
We have to run the race anyhow. It is true that at times it seems difficult to keep on keeping on…yet we must renew our strength with the help from the Lord. He will renew our strength and sustain us as we stay the course and go the distance.
Agree! He will renew your strength, and you will run and not faint! Thanks again for your response and personal reflection. Be blessed!