Hebrews 12:1 says "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." and
1 Corinthians 9:24 says "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." and there are a few others.
When you are running a race I think it can be very easy to get distracted. Our mind, first of all, can be a big culprit, as well as other runners, people on the sidelines, etc... so its important to keep focused on the finish line ahead and the reason you chose to run the race in the first place. Honestly, running is not something I personally enjoy doing for fun, but I do it from time to time. God calls His children however to run with perseverance, and to throw off things that hinder.
Perseverance is defined as : steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state,etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.
It may sound easy enough to some people, to just focus and go, right? It is unfortunate however that we can be our own worst competitor when it comes to staying focused. How often do we get to running the race God has us on and we begin to compare ourselves to other runners. The focus soon turns to looking to see the path others are on. Does their trail have better scenery, look shorter, easier? Why does it appear that they get to stop and rest or enjoy what may look like resting for awhile, while you have encountered a hill? Oh, and then there is the timing issue. If it appears that someone may be getting ahead of you in the race, when maybe you think they started after you began. When this happens, then we start to compare times and either wonder whats wrong with us, or why they are reaching the goal as what appears to be faster etc... and the "fairness" issue comes into play. The focus then becomes no longer on the race MARKED OUT FOR US but what is actually happening, is that our focused has wavered and is causing us to stumble on our own trail. As if that doesn't seem like enough to hinder the race, what about the type of runner you are? Along the way there are obstacles and things we have to make decisions on. How to do handle other runners as they cross your path? Do you speak life or death upon their race. If they stumble, do you stop to help dust them off and encourage them to get back moving or do you step over them and keep going? What about the spectators on the sideline, do you allow their words to affect your race?
I believe God calls us to be runners of various types with the common goal of running His race to the very best of our ability while walking in love. Many times we also have to turning the other cheek, making sure we are thinking on things that are good pure....and remembering to continually forgive, forgive, forgive. The truth is that we cannot compare our course to anyone else, as God has a very special plan for each one of us.
Jeremiah 29:11 states just that. ".For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. "
From what you can see, you may have no idea how it will all play out and you just can't see the finish line, and that's okay as long as you continue to stay focused on the prize and stay on the path. I'm thankful for the many things I've learned as I continue to run my race, and greatful for those runners the Lord has sent to cross my path as I have felt weary and needed encouragement as we all need from time to time. If we can stay on the path, it is a certian victory to further God's Kingdom, and will be sweeter than any one you could imagine on your own.
