November 22
November 22
The Christian life is not a sprint but an extended journey. Will you endure to the end?
In high school I ran long-distance races for our track team. I remember well the three phases of the race. Standing on the starting line, I was filled with excitement. I felt the rush of adrenaline before the starter’s gun went off and the race commenced. Those first few steps were a fog of emotions, adrenaline, and athletic motivation. It felt as though I were being carried along. Later, as part of the final stage of the race, I felt renewed joy at seeing the finish line in the distance. I forgot how tired I was. My arms and legs no longer felt heavy as I ran faster and faster until I crossed that line.
But in every race, the middle phase was always the hardest. The starting-line adrenaline was gone and the finish-line passion was a long way off. In the middle I experienced the monotony of step after step, the growing tiredness of my body, and the mental struggle to just keep going. In a long race, the middle is always the hardest.
The race of faith is not a sprint; it is a life-long journey. And it is not a journey over beautiful, smooth terrain. In our Christian journey, we run through dark valleys and high mountains. We stumble along rocky and twisted roads, and we encounter unexpected obstacles. The initial shot of new-faith adrenaline fades, and the finish line isn’t in sight, but we must press on.
This journey requires endurance. The commitment to be faithful, to press forward no matter what, is essential for the life to which God has called you. What has God given you to stimulate endurance? How does he meet you with his grace when you face midrace hardships? At the end of the Bible’s longest examination of the gospel—the book of Romans—the apostle Paul answers these questions:
Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (Rom. 15:4–7)
Paul wants you to know that in your long journey of faith God hasn’t left you without help. He has given you his word, which was written to encourage endurance. He has also given you his people, so that you never need to run the race alone. Endurance is a word project. It is also a community project. Each is meant to meet you, strengthen you, and encourage you when the going in the middle becomes tough.