Run

Hebrews 12:1-2
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And 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. 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." (NLT)

I hate running. My brother doesn't share the same sentiment, but don't ask me to "go for a run" with you. The thought of continually putting one foot in front of the other, feeling the pain racing through my chest, pushing myself beyond what is comfortable for a long period of time does not appeal to me in any way. I'm definitely a sprinter, not a long distance runner. It's not the pain that bothers me in and of itself. It's the pain stretched out over a long period of time. It's the self control that is required to keep running even when your whole body is screaming "STOP!" But Hebrews doesn't tell us to sprint for five minutes, it says to "run with endurance" or, as the NIV bible states, with "perseverance".

But how? Perseverance sounds simple enough, but get onto the track and all of a suden, it seems unatainable. Hebrews tells us that "We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus..." or, as the NIV states, "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame..." Jesus endured the cross by looking at the prize... the prize which was joy. We can "endure" the pain of running our race by looking to Jesus. Jesus endured, he will help us do the same. And when you think you can't take another step and you're afraid you will fall, when you've been running so fast that your feet can't keep up with your body, when your lungs hurt so bad you just know you'll colapse from the pain, God says, "...do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (NIV) God tells us, "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:30-31 (NIV).