Run With Endurance

As I’ve said in the past, I love to set goals (and complete them)!

Years ago, I set a goal to race-walk a half marathon and I, along with a very encouraging friend, did just that! I’m not an athlete by any stretch of the imagination, so it was a monumental accomplishment to receive my medal at the end of the Silver Strand Half Marathon.

I knew when I embarked on this goal that it would require training and not just showing up the day of the race and expecting to finish. The hard work and months of training were worth it. But I always said it was a one-time accomplishment!

Until this month. Now before you think I’m doing it again, I’m not. I’m doing something a little different. It is Marathon Month at OrangeTheory and I registered for a half marathon. I am currently at 10.5 miles towards my 13.1 mile goal to finish August 31.

The way it breaks down is that you have a 14 minute segment to get in as much distance as you can, so it’s not a half marathon at one time. But can I tell you it’s still really hard! I’m not giving up, especially now that I’ve told you. It’s also something I personally can’t do every day. If I’m lucky, I make it 2-3 times a week!

The Apostle Paul has a lot to say about running a race.

In many of his letters, his audience would’ve been familiar with athletics and Olympic type competitions, running to receive a temporary crown. It was easy to compare the Christian life to a race, except we run to receive a crown that will last for eternity. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 he says:

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. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

- 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

In Hebrews 11, we read about the heroes of our faith and then Hebrews 12 begins:

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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

- Hebrews 12:1-2

The Christian life is not easy. Jesus tells us to “take up our cross and follow Him” and sometimes we will hit a wall. But God still gave us a purpose for our lives in the midst of suffering with physical, emotional, relational, or vocational challenges.

As we continue to run with perseverance through this life, with our eyes fixed on Jesus, we can grow in wisdom and strength, while knowing Jesus more intimately!  

When the challenges come and you grow discouraged, focus on Hebrews 12:2-3:

For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

-  Hebrews 12:2-3

When I get to the end of my life, like Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7-8, I want to be able to say:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

- 2 Timothy 4:7-8

And friends, that is a crown that lasts for eternity!

Pastor Pam