“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
— Hebrews 12:1
The Christian life is a long-distance race rather than a short sprint. It takes a combination of patience, endurance, and persistent determination to finish the race.
Lauren was a long-distance runner on the school track team. She dreamed of running a marathon someday. Her main event in the spring was the 1600 meter run; she also ran cross-country in the fall. Lauren ran on the days she didn’t want to, the days it rained, the days her shins hurt, and the days she had plans with her friends. In the races themselves, she regulated her speed carefully to avoid tiring too soon. She saved enough energy for the “kick,” a sprint for the finish line on the last lap. But to Lauren, the best thing about racing was Leah. Leah cheered her on, waited at the end of the runs with water and a shoulder to lean on, and picked Lauren up a few times when she fell.
In the race of life, God understands that we will stumble and fall sometimes. We don’t need to run the race perfectly — or alone. Jesus makes sure we never run solo. He goes ahead of us to clear a path and behind us to pick us up when we fall. He runs beside us to encourage us.
More to Explore: Matthew 24:13
Girl Talk: What in your life do you need endurance for? Where do you find it?
God Talk: “Lord, I want to finish my race with flying colors. Thank you for running it with me. Amen.”
From Chick Chat by Kristi Holl