You Must Run the Marathon Alone |
The Olympics are coming soon. They will provide an international view of world-class athletes who have trained their whole life for this brief moment of time as the world watches. The premier endurance contest is the running of the marathon. It is based on the ancient 26-mile race from the plains of ancient Marathon to Athens and is viewed as a testament of a runner’s endurance, stamina, and tenacity. It is long, laborious, and lonely. It requires a long slow obedience in the same direction. It is the premier individual event. The Christian life is a race much like a marathon. And although we live our lives as individuals, we are also part of the body of Christ and indwelt by the Holy Spirit of the living God. The writer of Hebrews reminds us: “Therefore, since we also 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.” The Mandate - Run the race The Method - Looking unto Jesus The Motive - Joy set before Him The Christian life is a race that is run every day. Each day we must strip off that which gets in our way or hinders us, and look, and focus on Jesus. Our focus is not only on how He lived but where He looked. He was looking to a future kingdom - His kingdom. (Heb. 2:5, 12:28; Rev. 2:26) It was a city that the heroes of the faith looked for, a country far away and is still yet to come. And it will come, and He will come. (Heb. 11:14-16; Rev. 21:2,10, 22:14) Until then…..” As thy days, so shall thy strength be.” (Deut.33:25) God will provide what you need to run the race that He has set before you. So, remember: We have the Saints Above to encourage us. We have the Spirit Within to empower us. We have the Savior at the right hand of God to entrust our lives. We have all we need to run and win. You may ask; What is winning? We do not run to receive an earthly wreath, but to hear the heavenly words, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master.” Serving Him with you until He comes for us, Fred |