Run With Endurance

“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

I used to run three to four miles several times a week until a few years ago when the stress on my knees became too much. I didn’t just decide one day that I was going to be a runner; I had to fix my mind on doing what I needed to do to build up the necessary endurance to run, first one mile, then two. Many a day the time I’d set aside for running seemed as though it would never end and it was all I could do to put one foot in front of the other, but oh how good it felt when I completed that last lap. I hadn’t outrun anyone but I had finished my run for the day and I felt victorious! Our faith walk is much the same and I find it is essential that I fix my eyes, my mind and my heart on Jesus so I don’t become weighed down by the cares of the world or give up when my daily walk with Him becomes difficult. The strength to run the race that is set before us comes only through fixing our eyes on Jesus as we seek His strength for whatever comes our way.

As you practice your faith walk today you will build endurance for tomorrow’s race when you fix your eyes and heart upon Him once again so that you won’t become entangled by sin. As you run today look to the author and perfecter of your faith to build your faith and to supply you with needed strength, joy and peace until the finish line is reached.