Lace Up Your Shoes

Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-3

Abbey Dagostino, a 2016 Olympic runner, was racing in the 5,000 meter when she stumbled over another runner who had fallen. Nikki Hamblin, from New Zealand, was helped up by Dagostino, but later helped Dagostino up after she fell from injuring her self when she tripped over Hamblin. It was a race of Olympic spirit. Dagostino said the spirit of God was working in them as they helped each other through the race. Despite Dagostino’s injuries, and the loss of time helping one another up, the women finished the race, keeping their eyes on the goal ahead.

God tells us to keep our eyes on the goal and run the race. The race may be filled with hardships. We may stumble and fall. We may get hurt. The scripture reminds us of the hardships Jesus endured. Christ endured being beaten, laughed at, shamed, betrayed. But through all of that, Jesus kept His eyes on the goal. He finished the race, so that we could have His grace. Our race may involve struggles and joy. May we keep our eyes on the goal through it all. Like Dagostino and Hamblin helped one another through their race, we too have the body of Christ to help encourage, strengthen, support, and share our struggles and joys while we run our race. So lace up those running shoes, keep your eyes on the race ahead, and with the endurance God has given you, run your race.

Prayer
Lord God, we thank You for the grace that You have given us. Please help us to keep our eyes on the goal ahead, and run the race to the finish line. May we help one another to stay encouraged, strong, and supported. You have shown us how to continue on even when there are struggles to be endured. May we continue on through the struggles also. Amen