Perseverance: God’s Partnership in Life’s Marathon
Perseverance
GOD’S PARTNERSHIP
IN LIFE’S MARATHON
I’ve seen him in the hills above town, early in the morning, running in line with his high school teammates.
Most days after school Clay does volunteer work at our office, packing boxes and stuffing envelopes. But now that it’s cross-country season, he’s out on the roads and trails, pushing his body to its limits.
Keeping me updated, my young friend tells me his school has already won several meets this year. In one race, he placed tenth in a field of sixty-five harriers.
When I had the chance, I asked Clay a question that’s been on my mind since he joined the team.
What’s the most difficult part of a long-distance run?
I’ve heard some say it’s that first mile or so. Your muscles feel tight and the long course seems to stretch out forever before you.
Others have told me it’s that final stretch that’s the killer. You’re exhausted, your limbs feel like wood, and you’re scarcely able to lift one blistered foot in front of the other.
But my young friend immediately had a different answer. The worst part of a cross-country run, he told me, is neither the beginning nor the end. It’s the middle—the long and lonely tramp, those long minutes when you’re out of range of those cheering voices at the start and finish lines. It’s that long, gray, middle distance that saps your strength and your will.
My friend quoted a verse that helps him when he hits that mid-point in the race.
Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength … they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:31).
Some say it’s the mid-point blues that the prophet had in mind when he gave this prophecy to Israel. As Israel was released at last from the long captivity, God promised He would go with them on the long trek from Babylon to Jerusalem. And yes, He would be with them when they hit that desolate mid-point of the journey. When the way back was as far as the way forward. When the desert sun washed the landscape of color and the destination seemed a lost and distant thing … a mirage in the sand.
Have you been there?
Ever feel like you’re in the middle of a long stretch of the same old routine? The beginning of the Christian life was exhilarating. Lots of smiles and handshakes and encouragement. Your emotions soared. And the end? Well, it’s going to be wonderful meeting Jesus face-to-face.
But now … you’re in the middle. There are miles behind you and miles to go. You don’t hear any cheers or applause. That first shot of spiritual adrenaline wore off a long time ago. The days run together. So do the weeks. Your commitment to simply keep putting one tired foot in front of the other begins to flag and fade.
Ah, but the promise in Isaiah is just as true now as then. If we walk in the Spirit, our strength will be renewed. We will run and not be weary. Even in the long, gray, middle distance, we will walk and not be faint.
The writer of Hebrews also had some good words for fainting saints. In chapter 12 he wrote, “… 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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (v. 1-2). A little later in the chapter he offered some encouragement for those with sore legs and feet—those who seemed on the verge of dropping out of the race.
Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed (v. 12-13).
It won’t be long until the race is over. The tape is just ahead … around the bend, over the hill, and through some trees. Believers who have gone ahead crowd the grandstands, awaiting your triumphant finish.
Yes, the middle part of the race is difficult. Sometimes excruciating. But every step brings you closer to that finish line. Fix your eyes on the One who awaits you there. You’re halfway home.
I pray that the thoughts in this chapter will help you keep on course.