As a runner I know from experience how hard it can be to run up hill, especially in a race. I’ve learned that when running hills, you must not focus on how much farther you must climb to finish; you must instead concentrate on your present stride, one step at a time. When you look too far ahead, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with negative thoughts such as: I’m afraid I’m not going to be able to finish; this is too long; I’m too tired and weary; I can’t keep going; I’m exhausted; this is too hard!
As a Christian, I know from experience how difficult it can be to “run up the hill” and keep stepping forward spiritually during hard, trying times. Like a runner, it is challenging to move forward because we feel exhausted and overwhelmed. We want to hold on to the promises, and trust and believe that God will see us through to a higher, better place, but persistent, negative thoughts and feelings produce spiritual and emotional defeat.
However, God has directions for us that will lead us to victory, no matter how hard or tough the times get. We are told to run with patient endurance and steady, active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us. We must trust God one step at a time and not get too far ahead of today. In fact learning to live in the present moment, while abiding in the presence of God will help empower our weary souls! So we must be made strong even in our weakness by lifting up our tired hands in prayer and worship. And strengthen our weak knees, for as we keep walking forward on God’s paths all our stumbling ways will be divinely healed!
As we look to Jesus and look away from all that will distract – worry, fear, doubt, and negative thoughts. We must work on forgiving those who have wronged us, and letting go of every wound that has pierced us. As we release the layered anger and hurt in our hearts onto Jesus- He will fill these emptied out wounds with His healing love. Then we will be able to run life’s marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us. “We look away from the natural realm and we fasten our gaze onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection”. Through the power of Love, grace, faith in the Word of God, a relationship with Jesus the Son, the continual filling of the Holy Spirit, and our humble surrender to God- we won’t become worn down and cave in under life’s pressures, and forget our destiny.
And let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us. Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also it’s Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection] Hebrews 12:1b-2a.
