Running the Race

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." 

- Hebrews 12:1-2

Five years ago I ran the Chicago Marathon. Anyone who has run this race knows that the first six miles are filled with excitement and adrenaline. During these first miles one weaves their way through the heart of downtown, next to lofty skyscrapers and familiar sights, all while being cheered on by thousands of spectators. But at about the half-way point monotony sets in. The rest of the race consists of a long, grueling journey west- running away from the city, followed by a never ending run to the south. When, at last, you turn back towards downtown for the final stretch of the race, the once lofty skyscrapers now appear like tiny specks on the horizon. This is about the point you are ready to throw in the towel!

Running with endurance provides a beautiful illustration for our various seasons of life. Sometimes life is filled with thrills, new adventures, and excitement. At other times, however, life feels discouraging, mundane, even painful. 

Even in a short time my race has changed course a number of times. Five years ago I was just beginning my Masters degree in Biblical Exegesis from Wheaton College. I was filled with anticipation and speculation about how I was going to change the world! One year ago I was working as a Resident Director at Biola University. This was my dream job. I spent most of my days meeting with students, mentoring, counseling, casting vision, and planning events to enhance the social and spiritual life of the residents. A couple months ago my race changed again. I gave up that job to get married and move to Hawaii with my husband. Sounds thrilling, right? Well, vacationing in Hawaii and living in Hawaii are two very different things. My days now consist of cooking, laundry, dishes, and Netflix movies. We occasionally go for a hike or head to the beach, but most of the time Jon has to work so I'm left at home. God has been working in my heart to embrace this newest change of course and to run it with endurance.

Each of us has a different race set before us. No matter what the race, we are told to run it with endurance, fixing our eyes on Jesus. How are you obediently running the race God has set before you today? Take that chance to speak up when you overhear your unsaved co-workers discussing religion. Spend a little time in the Word before logging onto facebook. Think of one thing you are thankful for with each t-shirt and pair of socks you fold instead of grumbling that this is the fourth load of laundry so far this week!

Above all, take time to fix your eyes on Christ. It is only by having this daily foundation that you will be able respond obediently to each step of your race. He ran the perfect race, and in the face of the greatest trial responded "not my will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42b). He endured the cross so that we could be reconciled to God. The very next verse in Hebrews says "For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (Heb 12:3). Don't throw in the towel; remember, He ran for you and He runs with you.