Hebrews 12:1-3 (try reading this in several versions)
A few years ago my sister-in-law asked me if I would run a half marathon with her. She told me the girls she normally does these types of things with couldn’t do it and she needed someone. Running has never been something I was interested in doing, in fact it sounded miserable. But I had been looking for opportunities to spend time with my sister-in-law and this seemed like a divine nudge. Saying yes was the easy part. Training was difficult and time consuming and we were often unable to train together. I was working hard just to be able to finish, leave alone running with someone.
The next year my sister-in-law asked me to run the half marathon again. I had learned a lot from my training the previous year and wanted to set a new goal of finishing in a certain amount of time. Everything I read told me I was starting my training too late to meet that goal. Since finishing was the important part I decided to start the time-training anyway and just do my best on race day. Mostly, I trained alone. Mentally, running was grueling. Music helped but I started listening to books so that I would quit counting every second of the pounding hours.
Race day came and I was worried. I knew my ultimate goal was a little out of reach, but had I developed the skills needed to pace myself accurately and push myself to a better finish?
Along the way a woman I didn’t know began to run along side me. This happens occasionally, you smile silently at each other and then eventually part company. After a little while though she was still with me and I found I was enjoying the company even though we hadn’t spoken a word to each other. Our silence was somehow filled with friendly and encouraging vibes. Miles later she spoke to me, “I hope you don’t mind me sticking with you? I really like your pace and you’re pushing me just the right amount. So, if you don’t mind, I’ll just stick with you until one of us feels the pace isn’t working anymore?” I smiled big and told her I was enjoying the company, that it somehow helped me not think so much about how hard it was and let me enjoy it a little more. We ran in silence after that. Once in a while one of us would look over and say, “How are you doing? Pace still ok?” We’d nod, out of breath, calves beginning to cramp, and silently recommit to the task. Surprisingly, we stayed together to the end. With the finish line in sight she turned to say “thanks, nice job!” and with a quick high five she sprinted toward her finish and the cheering family waiting for her.
Somehow her company had taken away the constant focus on the pain of breathing or cramping of legs. We were struggling and yet still enjoying the scenery instead of wondering if we would finish. We began to believe we could finish stronger. I did finish strong, only 20 seconds per minute over my original goal. Amazed doesn’t even begin to describe how I felt in that moment and I knew the game changer for me had been a running partner.
Shortly after that run I read a story by a marathon runner who said that running with someone had changed her outlook and ability to run so much that when she crossed the finish line to her personal record, her only regret was that she had run alone for so long.
“When Hebrews 12:1 admonishes us to run the race of life with endurance, the implication is that we are going to face times of hardship and suffering. God understands how difficult it can be and that we might stumble and falter. Running with endurance means that even when we fall, we get up and keep going. He picks us up, gives us wisdom for the journey, and encourages us every step of the way. Jesus ensures that we never run alone.” Charles Stanley
Jesus ensures that we never run alone. But Jesus also tells us to run together = to encourage, spur one another on, pray for, battle on behalf of, give our unique gifts to each other, and bear with each other in love as brothers and sisters united in the heart of Christ.
Sometimes we seem to think we’re doing a fine job running this race on our own. We haven’t truly understood the benefit of someone coming along beside us and we haven’t offered our company to others because we don’t always believe in our hearts that it matters or is helpful.
Let the intimacy of conversation with Jesus be your constant companion. And commit to running this Christian life alongside a few people. It doesn’t need to be announced, just come along side them, pace with them for a while. Offer friendly encouragement and high fives even if you don’t use words.
The finish line is within our reach and there is a great cloud of witnesses cheering us on and waiting to receive us with celebration.
Let’s choose today to be the body of Christ. Let’s commit to discovering what we are capable of accomplishing together. Even when it hurts. Let’s set our eyes on the goal and finish strong together. So be it.
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