Running with perseverance!

Therefore, 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. Let us 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, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.- Hebrews 121-2

Before I start, let me just shout "Happy 21st Birthday!" to my running buddy and beautiful daughter, Amy!


What does it mean to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us”? Is this just a saying we may sometimes casually make because it sounds cool and ties in with running? Maybe. To me it says a lot about life and running. Every runner knows about running with perseverance. One definition of perseverance would be to act or undertake something in spite of having to face difficulties, obstacles or discouragement. Ask anyone about preparing for a race. Each of us knows what it takes to do our best; work; practice; dedication; sacrifice; effort; perseverance and reliance on family and friends for support. Some practice days are good; others not so good. For the Christian it is much the same. Yet, with steadfastness we are to honor Jesus in our beliefs holding true to God’s teaching through His Word. Are you daily preparing to follow Christ and do His will?

In preparing to run, many of us may look at a map of a race course, look at a map of the elevation changes or we maybe even drive the course beforehand to get a picture of what to expect. Some larger races (like the SF Marathon) even provide YouTube video of the race course (http://www.thesfmarathon.com/the-course/course-video.php). When you are running in the pack, in the thick of a race, you are relying on others who came before and who marked out the route with signage, traffic cones and race staff who help direct. We all follow the same course. As Christians we have the Bible to show us the path ahead, what to expect in life and how to be a winner. Psalm 119:105 says "Your word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path." Am I picking up the guide book daily to see the course my life should take? Not always, but I (we maybe?) need to keep trying.

Even before speaking of running, the writer in Hebrews speaks of “a great cloud of witnesses”. In life, I see this ‘cloud of witnesses’ as those who went before us and testify of what they have seen, and also those presently watching us. When running a race, I see many bystanders watching us and cheering runners on. I also would say that I am witnessing from within the race itself. I love to people watch. I bet everyone running has a story to tell. From a Biblical perspective watching us may be Christians residing in Heaven who went before us giving testimony of the goodness of Christ, or the angels serving God, or, witnesses could just be the man on the street… our neighbor, co-worker or family member. You and I are being watched to see just how we handle our struggles, challenges, victories and disappointments. This is not said boastfully, as many people are so wrapped up in their own lives that they may not even care about what you or I do. And what you or I or we do, frankly, isn’t that impressive. But others are watching as we try to battle or surmount life’s challenges and to see if we are real / true to our beliefs. Do we walk the walk? It is a reminder to rely on our preparations so as to minimize stumbling and maximize what we know to be true and right.

Pastor Jon Courson (http://joncourson.com ), writes in his Bible commentary of the Christian walk (run?), “The race before us is not a sprint. It is a marathon. We’re in it for the long haul, gang.” This is so true. Our training (for life, as well as running) is meant to give strength and endurance for our full run of life in service to God. Our physical training and study of God’s Word prepares us for service and running that marathon. If you are running a long distance race (I’ll let you define what long is), then the physical training may be what is primarily on your mind as it is our bodies that must carry us through. And yet there is also a great mental aspect in running. There’s an old saying ‘when the going gets tough, the tough get going.’  It doesn’t say ‘the tough bail or give up.’ The tough keep going. Mental toughness is part of the preparation for long runs. Most of us don’t wake up one day and say, “I’m now mentally tough enough to withstand the pressures of this world.” It takes preparation, training, experience, perseverance and reliance on God to see us through the toughest times in life.  Are you prepared to go the full distance?

One key element and way to accomplish the marathon is seen in the next passage of Hebrews. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. We need to pick and focus our efforts on the proper goal. To the runner, it may be the finish line and the accolades in crossing that line. To the Christian it should plainly be Christ Jesus. To the Christian runner, our focus should not be just the physical accomplishment, but the running can be a way to honor and draw closer to God. And lastly, in focusing on Jesus, we will appreciate His great sacrifice on the cross in order to give you and me the free gift of eternal life in Him. I give Him praise and honor each time I set foot out the door for a run.

Take the time to do something in His and for His name. Maybe even run to Him as He runs to you!!– John B