Run the Race

Recently, my son entered his first Tri-athletic event in Chicago.  He trained for a year before this race.  Yet with all that training and strengthening, the race was simply grueling. But he completed the race and crossed the checkered bannered finishing line with great joy.

What kept him from giving up when his body was spent? Where did that extra strength come from? Encouragement! The encouragement from fellow racers, the encouragement of the spectators cheering the athletes along the way. The encouragement he received from others during his training sessions. The encouraging words from family and friends. Encouragement from racers of the past who endured the struggle. Even though I didn’t run the race with him, I was part of the race keeping track of where he was and how he was doing.

The apostle Paul uses the race as a metaphor for the difficulties of life. And reminds us that there have been many others who have stayed the course and finished the race before us. This is where we all play a role. We encourage one another to keep the faith. Keep trusting in God. Encouraging those around us with our own stories of God’s faithfulness in giving us what is needed to finish the race.

Each step of the race is a step of faith. The faith that God will give us the courage and the strength needed to complete this race of life. God in turn is faithful to give you the strength, endurance, and perseverance to make it to the finish line. Consider the words of Paul as he reminds us of those who encourage us to keep the course:

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. 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.

…from Hebrews 12

At the finish line there is great joy and love from those cheering us on. So, keep the faith; run with the strength of the Lord and encourage everyone around you.

~ Campus Pastor Lane Skoglund-Anderson