Keep Running

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. Hebrews 12:1

Experienced runners know if they can just keep going, eventually they’ll get their ‘second wind’. Some refer to it as ‘runner’s high’, a release of adrenalin that makes you feel like you could run all day. So the word for you today is: keep running until you get your second wind! Paul says: ‘Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and… run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of… God… consider Him who endured such hostility… lest you become weary and discouraged’ (vv. 1-3). Note the word ‘endured’. Don’t let what’s going on around you sabotage what God’s doing within you. Generally speaking, your outlook is affected by what’s happening now. A drowning man isn’t too impressed with something good that’s going to happen tomorrow; he needs help today. Keep in mind that what you’re going through right now is temporary – so look for a turnaround. In the Old Testament God told Isaiah, ‘Comfort my people… Tell them they have suffered long enough and their sins are now forgiven’ (Isaiah 40:1-2). Then He went on to make them this wonderful promise: ‘The hills will become a plain, and the rough country will be made smooth. Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it. The Lord himself has promised this’ (vv. 4-5). Claim that promise for yourself today – and keep running!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to persevere and keep moving through, not just getting through, the challenges ahead of me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen