Daily Bread

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

I wonder if the apostle Paul was a runner? He certainly seems to use the metaphor quite a bit — comparing our journey of faith with that of running a race. The thing with races is that they have an end, a finishing line, and I think the kind of race that Paul has in mind is not a 100m sprint, but a long-distance endurance race, the kind where everyone that crosses the line gets a cheer and a round of applause.

My dad began marathon running when he was in his mid-50s. Before this he had not run since he was a kid. I remember watching him get out his gardening trainers and take off around the block. He could not make it all the way round without walking! Within a day or two he ran twice around the block, then three, and so on. Over weeks and months he built up his stamina and ran long distances a few times every week. During the peak of his running career, my dad ran many marathons including the London marathon five times, and he even tackled the South Downs 100 mile run until a nasty fall and head injury took him out after completing 70 miles or so. Of course, his goal was not to win (he was in his sixties) but to better his time, and make it to the end.

The journey of faith is like running marathon. Sure, there is the excitement of a new venture when you start out, but the reality is it takes a long time to even reach the point where you can contemplate participating in a race. You need to train, stay focused, and when you do not feel like getting out of bed — whether it is to run around the block or complete a 20-mile training session — you need to persevere and not lose heart.

Today, as you contemplate your own faith journey — whether you are at the very beginning or near the very end — remember Jesus, and how God never gave up, even in the face of horrendous opposition. You got this!

Holy God
When I feel weary or discouraged,
and want to give up or bow out,
give me strength to persevere,
and to complete the race set before me.
May I never tire of doing good,
and being a blessing to world.
Help me remember that I am not alone,
and that you are cheering me on from the sidelines,
as you have run the race before me,
and have obtained the crown of glory.
Help me remember that, with you,
I got this.
Amen.