Marathon

First, let’s get this straight with regards to whether I’ve ever run a marathon.  These legs of mine don’t like to run, unless someone is chasing me, or my eye spots an ice cream establishment.  However, I greatly admire and respect those that have met this challenge.  If you and I put our heads together, what are some descriptive words that describe the necessary attributes one needs to even begin to train and endure all that comes from being able to eventually cross the finish line to win the race?   Some words that come to mind: focused, determined, goal oriented, positive attitude, endurance, striving to improve,  just to mention a few.  Isn’t that what is required of you and me to stay the course when it comes to following Jesus, especially when we have the devil breathing down our necks, trying to break us?  There are so many obstacles that our marathon runners experience during their race – wind, rain, injuries, exhaustion, thirst, but they don’t give up, believing that the finish line is obtainable.  We are no different.  Can we even begin to count the obstacles, both large and small, each of us has faced during our lifetime?  But we, as Christians, need to think as a marathon runner.  We need to be focused during times of struggle, and even during times of joy, constantly giving thanks, no matter what we encounter.  Some ways that can help us stay focused is talking to God in whatever form we related to Him best, as God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit.  We need to be goal oriented, following the teachings of the Bible and our Ten Commandment as our guide, not what is the easiest.  We need to never give up and understand how important training every day  is to run the ultimate race.  It also helps to remember each one of us is experiencing different obstacles while we’re running our own marathons.  But also remember, as fellow Christians,  to run our race together, side by side, cheering each other on.  Jesus would want us to be there through our many miles, knowing we are determined and focused on running the most important race of our lives, hand in hand.  Thank you for staying by my side and always encouraging me during my marathon.  I pray Jesus and I are doing the same for you!

“Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Hebrews 12:1