Marathon
| 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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews12:1-3) |
But we don't know how to run far.
Long distance running isn't easy.
We have to consider cramps, shinsplints, blisters, lactic acid, fitness, endurance and a huge number of additional factors. If we've never run long distances before, we will need guidance or coaching on how to get fit, how to get the right nutrition, pacing, etc.
The writer of the Hebrews gives us some coaching for Faithful Perseverance:
- Grounding: We're surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Think of all the Old Testament heroes and the Christians over the last 20 centuries. This race has a long tradition and a solid track record. They're in the heavenly grandstands, they're cheering because they know we can get to the end of our race just like they got to the end of theirs: with faith!
- Losing distractions: Any long distance runner knows that you can't carry baggage with you and that you need a clear path. We need to lose the weight of past hurts and avoid the thorns and vines of temptation and sin that will snag us and hold us back.
- Run with perseverance: There are no short-cuts to fitness. One starts small with a small distance and then you ramp it up daily and weekly. It's progressive overload. Going further, harder and faster each time. This is not easy and it takes courage.
- Follow the route: It doesn't matter how far or fast we run if it's on the wrong road! There will be tempting detours and times that we will need to choose carefully to stay on the right route. The Holy Spirit will show us the way, but we must listen...
- Focus: It can get lonely, exhausting and scary on this race. We will need motivation. Looking at Jesus and all He suffered and did for us will help.
So that's our marathon and how to run it!
