Hebrews 12:1-2 - A Tribute to Running

So last week, I was running with one of my running partners and discussing a video we had seen about prayer. The teacher was discussing a scripture on prayer and relating it to running the Boston Marathon.

This got us thinking about the different places that the Bible talks about running....and then I decided that one of my next posts would connect running and the Bible, so here it is. This one is for my friends that are runners and have ambitious running goals.

The first scripture that comes to mind when I think about running is in Hebrews, chapter 12, verses one and two:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great 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 perfector 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.

I can relate to this scripture and the picture of a race. When you think of a marathon, or any race really, there are those people who run and those people who stand on the sidelines encouraging and cheering on the runners. Having been in a couple of races, I know how it feels to have someone cheering and encouraging you, it gives that burst of energy and that feeling that you can go a little bit farther. it is particularly helpful when you are tired and starting to think about stopping.

Not only that, hearing the stories of runners who have completed marathons or other races, challenge and encourage. Their passion and drive are very inspirational. I have two friends that are runners that encourage me. My friend Lizzie, who is training to make a qualifying time for  the Boston marathon and my friend Maddie who takes running seriously, but also knows how to make it amazingly fun by doing races such as The Color Run, The Zombie Run, The Superheroes Run...They both remind me that running is a discipline and a passion.

This scripture takes that image and feeling and puts it in the context of pursuing our faith. At times staying strong in our faith can be really difficult. Maybe we are facing a lot of discouragement; Christians acting in ways that don't seem Christ-like, having to make unpopular choices, standing on beliefs when it would be easier to take another path. God never promised life would be easy. In fact the Bible tells us that as followers of Jesus, we will be persecuted and scorned.

Paul reminds us with this scripture of those of faith who have gone before us and have finished the race and are cheering us on to finish. We can be encouraged by their stories and their journey.Think of stories of faith. I find Jonathan in the Bible very inspiring. He balanced honoring his father (who was trying to kill God's anointed, David) with a loyal friendship to David, and constantly lived a righteous life. Just a few months ago I wrote a blog about some everyday Christians that show courage and have inspired me, called Four Stories of Courage.

Do you have people that inspire you. Past or current Christians?Who inspires you to keep going when you feel like giving up?

Don't stop! Following God is an audacious goal. Never easy and always a challenge, but hold fast; run the race; hear the encouragement of those who have gone before you and and cheering you to the finish line!