Run

The Christian life is a marathon. And we often find ourselves gasping for air, limping along on a strained hamstring, or perhaps, even wondering if we missed the marker and have somehow gotten off the course. What's the solution? I think Hebrews 11, the great faith chapter, gives us some clues. First, we are surrounded by the "been there, done that" crowd. It's described as the crowd of witnesses watching us run. You can read all about them in the Old Testament. (And you should!) People just like you, running the race, getting tired, getting hurt, feeling all alone on the course. Do you know what they all found out? His faithfulness is new every morning. Walk with God and one day you'll look around, and you'll be with Him in glory. Go down to Egypt and lie a little bit out of fear, He'll find a way to turn it into a blessing. Laugh to yourself about the absurdity of His promises, He'll fulfill them anyway. Think you are all alone? He'll take your hand and whisper, "Looking for Me? Been here all the time. Just lean on Me until you catch your breath. I'll give you rest." They discovered that tired, wounded, or confused, He delighted in them. No one was cheering louder for them in the grandstand than He was. And do you know what the second great truth was that they discovered? It's the one that kept them going no matter what their circumstances, no matter how steep the hill on the race Home. The marathon of life is nothing compared to the victory lap. Keep running--even if it's at limp speed. You'll never forget the hug the "Coach" will give you when you limp across the finish line and fall into His loving embrace. And He'll even tell you "Thank you" for relying on His strength to get you Home." And He'll replace that old worn out body with one that will last forever--in fact, one just like His. Run on!