“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
The writers of the New Testament refer to our lives as a race on a few different occasions. They encourage us to finish strong and to run with endurance. This analogy has always made sense to me, but a few years ago, God gave me a greater understanding through an experience. I hope this encourages your faith today.
My friend, Meredith Heath, is an avid runner. She had been encouraging me to run, just to get some exercise and clear my mind while I was going through a difficult season of my life. She even sent me a really cute pair of running shoes to got me motivated.
I had been running about three times a week and getting into a routine when she asked me if she could enter us in a 5K. Honestly, my first thought was that I didn’t need to train for a 5K to remain motivated. But it sounded fun to do it with her, so I said yes. I started training. I couldn’t show up for the race and have her embarrassed by me! On days when I didn’t feel like running, I did it because I knew the race was coming soon. I would roll out of bed and make myself go.
The day of the race arrived. I was ready. We had matching shoes, so what could go wrong, right?
Another dear friend from high school, Dawn Borges, decided to come run with us. I had two wonderful encouragers by my side for my first 5K. I felt very prepared.
We lined up to start the race. It was very crowded. There were so many people, of all ages, crammed into a very small starting area. The gun sounded and the crowd tried to move together to get through the starting line. We were having to walk because there was no room to run, yet. But, as the crowd moved, and people started finding their own pace, we spread out and were able to start our run.
Everyone ran at a different pace. Some sprinted out to the front, some stayed back to let others pass, a few people walked almost the entire way. One man who was at least 75 years old passed us! Meredith looked over at me and said, “We better pick up the pace!” We laughed but seeing him able to maintain that pace at his age really encouraged me to run harder.
We started off great. We had a good steady pace going and we were talking and encouraging each other. Meredith and Dawn, who had already been running for years, could have left me in their dust, but they stayed right by my side. There were moments when I was tired and needed to walk for a minute. And we did. I would catch my breath and then I was ready to run again.
At each mile marker, there was water and a cute sign that said, “1”, “2” and “3.” It really helped to have an idea of where we were in the race. When I would see a sign in the distance, I pushed harder because it was an exciting feeling to know we had reached a milestone.
When the “3” sign came into view, I knew we were close to the finish line. Then, out of nowhere, I got a horrible headache. Y’all, I honestly don’t know if I’ve ever had a headache like this. It hurt so bad. I had to take my hair down and take my sunglasses off. I had water running out of my eyes and I was holding the bridge of my nose…just squeezing it because it hurt so bad. I had to stop.
I remember being doubled over in pain. Meredith and Dawn just stood there with me. You know that awkward feeling when someone is hurting, but there is nothing that you can do but be quiet for a minute. That was us. All the runners were passing us, and I’m bent over holding my nose.
“We’re almost there, Kristy. We’re so close.” I remember Meredith saying, “You are crossing that finish line even if I have to carry you.”
After just a minute, I stood back up and started walking. In the distance, I could see that people were lining the street on both sides. They were holding signs and cheering at the top of their lungs. I was thinking, “What are these people doing out here cheering us on for a 5K?!”
Though it was just a little 5K in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, this was a monumental moment for me. I was in a deep struggle in my life – a time of heartbreak, surrender, confusion, and desperation. We were just running. But it was more than that. And my friend Meredith knew it. She knew that if I would push myself physically, there would be a benefit to my life. So, it was more than just a run.
When I saw this crowd of cheerleaders, it occurred to me that in this group of runners, there were many stories. There were others who were there for more than just the run. There were others who were fighting battles or representing sick family members. All running for different reasons. But all heading toward the same finish line.
And that finish line was packed with our friends and loved ones who were waiting for us with joy and excitement!
Those people didn’t know that my head was about to split wide open, but they cheered for me like they did. “You can do it!” “Great job!” “Come on!” “You’re almost done!” I could hear all these voices of people I didn’t even know. So, I picked up the pace and I pushed through the pain. We were jogging, again.
The closer we got to the finish line, the bigger and louder the crowd got. Their voices were even more excited for us, and I was even more motivated to finish strong. The last stretch of the race was shaped like an “L” so when we turned that corner, we could see the yellow finish line marker and all the balloons. And, although this is probably an exaggeration, it looked like thousands of people standing all along that last stretch of road. Their cheers were so loud in my ears.
I was looking at the finish line and listening to the crowd, and feeling my head hurting so bad, but that crowd of witnesses gave me the encouragement I needed to keep going. I could see the end and it was close enough that I knew I could endure anything for that short distance. We made it. We crossed the line. The headache was still there, but I was smiling a huge smile! And look at my sweet friends. Holding my arms and cheering for me, too.
Suddenly this scripture came into my head,
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely,
and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,”
Tears were streaming down my face as I got the most beautiful vision of all the saints in heaven cheering for all of us as we run this spiritual race called life. They can see our finish line. They can see what we cannot see, and they’ve already crossed through the finish, so they know that it is worth it.
And in that cheering crowd of witnesses is Jesus. And He is cheering passionately for us. He knows how hard the race can be. He knows the splitting headache we feel sometimes as we turn that last corner. He feels our pain. That verse says,
“…looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy
that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame,
and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Jesus endured because of the joy set before Him. We should consider that. When we are tired of running, and our head hurts, we should consider Jesus. He endured so much more than will ever be asked of us, yet he finished perfectly. And, now, He’s there….cheering us on.
Every race ends with a prize. Our little 5K ended with a medal, but just imagine the prize that awaits us when we make it to heaven! Imagine the crown of glory that we will receive. And Jesus himself will give it to us! (II Timothy 4:7-8) What an honor.
I mean, what could you NOT do if you knew the end of it was a crown of glory presented to you by Jesus Himself? You must believe it. You must see your life through eternal eyes to believe that you are running this race for eternity.
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” II Corinthians 4:16-18
I pray that this simple analogy encourages you today. It seems that I talk to people every day who tell me how tired they are right now. This life is busy, it is uncertain, the news is heavy, the economy is shaking, and the future feels unsure. Just remember that we are running a race, our Savior is at the finish line waiting on us, and the prize is worth it!
Keep your eyes on Jesus. He is the author and finisher of our faith. Run with endurance. Let’s encourage one another and make it to the finish line.