A few years ago I did
quite a bit of running. Most of the running was done to help charities. I ran a
couple of half marathons and a few 5K races. It helped to raise money for
cancer treatment and research, children with terminal illness that wanted just
one special wish in their lives granted, blood drives, and more. I was blessed
to raise a substantial amount of money to help those in need and I worked in
each race with a team and we raised tens of thousands of dollars of support. It
is difficult for a big boy like me to run and my hips and feet still hurt to
this day. I did lose quite a bit of weight. But that isn’t want I want to talk
about. It hurts to run long races. There are blisters, cramps, clothing that
rubs your skin raw, thirst, exhaustion and much more. Running a race is tough.
During the race, there
are things that keep you moving. Of course one of the motivational factors is
the end result of raising the money to help others. But one of the keys to
being successful in those long races is that all along the route, there are
people cheering you on. There are people with signs, banners, water,
refreshments and even port-a-potties. There are police men supervising the
roadways. There are paramedics in ambulances ready to administer first aid.
There are volunteers everywhere cheering you on. In a couple of the marathons
there were bands every couple of miles playing up tempo encouraging music to
keep you moving. The entire atmosphere was one of encouragement and support to
those running the race. As much as it hurt, I will tell you it was one of the
most encouraging times in my life. I was a part of a team again (after more
than 25 years it was great to be on a sports team again). The team was focused
on getting me across the finish line. They were cheering me on. They were
calling my name. They were taking my picture. They were applauding my efforts.
I will tell you, that as you run through those hills and valleys, emotions run
all through your mind. It is a mental battle as much as a physical battle. With
the emotions rushing through you, with the support of the crowds, with feelings
of joy, being a part of something bigger than you, being a part of team, having
people who are supporting you and a feeling of accomplishment, people often
weep during and after the race.
The Christian race has
many of the same qualities, only it is a much better race. We are trying to
cross the finish line where we will gain eternal life. We are going to a place
where there will be no pain, disease, sickness or suffering. We are going to be
in a place where we will be able to worship in the greatest assembly of all
time with the greatest people who have ever lived as we worship the Great God
and Father of all. It’s going to be a glorious time.
However, running the race
has obstacles. We face struggles spiritually, physically, emotionally, and
financially. We face persecution and temptation. We struggle with making sure
we are on the right road and overcoming the obstacles. On this race, you know
what we need? We need people on the side of the road cheering us on, calling
out our name in prayer, helping us stay on the right path, helping us keep our
focus on the prize and we need people who will help us when we hurt. We also
need people who will help us celebrate (Phil. 4:6). There is a crown waiting (2
Tim. 4:6-8). Run the race with endurance (Heb. 12:1). Follow the rules and run
to win (2 Tim. 2:5; 1 Cor. 9:24). Let us celebrate as we run the Christian
race, cheering each other on to victory!
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