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, 2fixing 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. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-2
I am a natural sprinter. I like to get to the finish line fast. For me when I ran track I always picked the 100 meters, because it didn't take long and I could just be done running my race. A sprint is a different kind of foot race. Sprinters run at full speed over a short distance. So, they do not need endurance or stamina for a sprint. But they do need to run very fast. Sprinters need speed. This mentality is not necessarily good, especially for Christians.St Catherine of Siena. wrote, ‘Nothing great was ever done without much enduring.
I have always been impressed with marathon runners. They can spend months training for one long event. So, to be a marathoner, you need strength. You need endurance and stamina. These two words both mean the ability to do something difficult for a long time.
The Christian life is a strenuous race we all have to run.
The Christian life is a lifelong, grueling race that entails some long hills to climb and some swampy marshes to plod through. To make it to the end, we have to have self-discipline. We have to get into good shape. What does that mean for a Christian? We have to stay in the Word, 2Tim.2:15 says Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman who needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
We will need to maintain motivation, and we will need sustained effort. No one enters a marathon with the thought of dropping out after a mile. Finishing well is everything. In this race, you are not competing with other believers. We’re all on the same team. We’re competing against the enemy of our souls, who opposes God’s kingdom and wants us to drop out.
So let's run this race with patience, let's do our best to help our brother or sister who is having trouble running this grueling race. Let's hold each other up shoulder to shoulder and arm and arm, let's finish well.