Run the Race with Endurance

In Hebrews 12:1, Paul tells us, "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. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.”  Paul understood that this life is a marathon that can only be won if we have the stamina to hang in there for the whole race.

From these two verse we see various aspects must be considered regarding the race "set before us."  The need for endurance; the focus of our vision; keeping the rules; self-discipline; and the desire and determination to win. If we lack in any of these areas, we will become vulnerable to defeat and failure.

We westerners suffer from a lack of endurance. Our society is constantly on the move, and surveys show that at least 50% of engaged couples occasionally think that if their marriage doesn't work out they can always just try again. And according to Lifeway Research the average pastor’s tenure in a local church is 3.6 years.  I must confess that even I have left a ministry too soon, as many other pastors have.  It's much easier for us to give up and walk away rather than to endure to the end. It's uncommon in the church today to find a sense of permanency and commitment in the face of difficulty that the Bible talks about in following Jesus.

Especially if you are a young person, I want to encourage you to hold on to the word "endure." Paul wrote to his young friend Timothy, "Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Jesus Christ." (2 Tim. 2:3)   In other words, although enduring hardship is difficult, hang on to it, because it will help you grow spiritually and become more Christ-like.

I want to encourage you to think about 10, 20, or 40 years down the road, when your race is over. You should be able to say, "I ran the race well." Whatever discouragements and difficulties we face right now are not the end of the world. They are only temporary afflictions. God has already given us His grace to win the victory.

Don't give up, keep running the race!  For our lives in eternity are being affected now by the many choices we make daily.

“Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.” (Hebrews 10:35-36) 

 

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