Running the Race Set Before Us

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of faith, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NASB)

Benjamin, our fourteen year old, belongs to a track club called the Gulf Coast Hurricanes.  They practice every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.  They run for miles and miles and also do weight training once they've finished running on Thursday.  I get tired just thinking about it.  After months and months of practice, it was finally time for track meets and an opportunity to put all that training to work!

On Saturday morning, we woke up early and got all our chores done and then loaded up and drove to Baton Rouge where the first meet was to be held at Carl Maddox Field House, the indoor track stadium at LSU.  It was a stellar day - one of those days that you hate to be indoors on.  Russ and Laura Lee are students at LSU and they came and met us to watch Benjamin run like a gazelle.

Tricia, Benjamin,and Russ

Benjamin participated in two events - the 800 meter and 1600 meter runs.  He excels at the longer runs as he has lots of endurance.  We were very proud of him.  It was exciting to witness his races, yelling at the top of our lungs as he ran by, encouraging him to finish strong.  Finish strong, he did. He placed 6th in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:44 and 2nd in the 1600 meter run with a time of 5:52.

Benjamin (second from right) closing in on the finish line

In thinking about the race, it is a perfect analogy to our lives and Christian walk, and it that is why, no doubt, the Apostle Paul used the analogy of running a race in the opening verses of Hebrews chapter 12 that I posted at the top of this entry.  

Even if we never put on the running shoes or spikes, we're all in a race.  Each day as we go out, we're running and there are witnesses watching.  We train day in and day out.  Many times we fall.  More often, we tire and stumble.  And unless we are completely disciplined, we can be lured by that little voice telling us to quit, that it's too hard, that there is no way we'll cross the finish line.  Our bodies (and our minds) gets fatigued during the race of life and want to give up.  It is a daily battle.

A true competitor ignores the pain and the mental weakness that wants to lead us off course.  A victor perseveres to the end and crosses the finish line.  Victory is not for timid souls who fall prey to distraction and give up.  Is it easy?  No way! In fact the race is hard.  One can only succeed in this life by fixing your eyes on Jesus.  He provided our example and leads us to the finish line.  He is our 'coach.' He showed us how to overcome and in knowing Him, we have victory.

The prize - a medal!

There is a prize that we can look forward to.  Sometimes the prize is awarded quickly.  Sometimes you have to wait.  Benjamin went to the scorer's table at least three times before he was awarded his medal.  At last he was given his award.  We congratulated him and told him 'Good Job!"

That's what I want to hear one day when I stand before the ultimate "Scorer's table": "Well done, my good and faithful servant."  Many days the finish line seems unreachable and out of sight. Many days, I'm sure I disappoint my "coach" and the witnesses watching.  But I've got to endure to the end and consequently, until that day, I'll keep training, and keep fixing my eyes on Jesus.  He holds the meet record and he holds my future.

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.    

1 Corinthians 9:24