Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus,
the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Recently, I heard a story about a blind man who wanted to run the Boston Marathon. With his helper, he started out on the 26 mile race. Halfway through, he became terribly exhausted. He staggered along, sometimes walking, sometimes stopping to rest, sometimes jogging a little. When he got to the 25th mile his helper said, "This is the last mile. You have to go in running." The blind man reached deep down and found what strength he had and ran that last mile with all his might to the loud cheers of the crowd. Not realizing he had reached the finish line, he continued on until someone caught him and said "It's over! You've finished the race!" He collapsed to the ground. He had given it his all. Somehow he had found the strength to finish his race.
We are all in a race just like that blind man. Sometimes, along our path we lose momentum, we stumble and fall or take a detour. The race just seems too hard for us, too big, too long. We get bogged down. Sometimes all we can do is put one foot in front of the other, sometimes just crawl.
Then we hear the word, "Run with endurance the race God has set before you." Where are we going to find the strength? We must remember, we are not alone. We have our helper called alongside holding us up and showing us the way. We have the crowd to cheer us on and as we look toward the finish line we see the champion, who has gone before, waiting to welcome us.
Jesus has already run the race. Along the way he endured the same trials and temptations that we face. He was tempted to quit. He endured great grief and depression there in the garden. He endured tiredness and opposition. And, he endured the cross. Through it all, he came through with flying colors and triumphant joy and is now seated in the place of honor.
What is the word of encouragement to us? Don't become weary and give up. Look to your champion who blazed the trail and made the way. He is the way. He is the road we take on our long race. And he is there cheering us on along the sideline and running along with us and greeting us at the finish line. He is our champion.
Because of the joy awaiting him,
he endured the cross,
disregarding its shame.
Now he is seated in the place of honor
beside God’s throne.
Hebrews 12:2
