Running is not my thing. I was a sprinter at one time, and I run around with my kids, but running just does not interest me. I prefer to walk. For this reason, I don’t totally relate to what the author of Hebrews, and what he says in chapter 12 about running the race. I’m sure he didn’t mean sprint as fast as you can so you can finish before anyone else.

No, I think he is talking to the long-distance runner, the marathon runner. This race is not one of speed but one of stamina, for the strong, the dedicated, those who are able to go the distance. This race is not one whose finish line can be seen from the start. It is so far off into the distance that the runner can only anticipate the end.

No wonder Paul used running as a metaphor for living the Christian life. We trudge along not really knowing where we are going, understanding the ultimate outcome, but sometimes feeling that the grind of the path is just too long, too hard.  We look for shortcuts so that we can pass by with less effort.  But every runner knows that you won’t get any stronger by cheating. Satisfaction comes when you finish having given all you’ve got, putting yourself entirely into it. 

The greatest thing about the journey is that we never run alone. Jesus is there at the beginning to start us in the right direction, on the right path. He runs alongside us, sometimes taking the lead so that we can follow, but He never leaves. If we listen, we can hear His voice, guiding and directing us.  When it’s dark, He lights the way. When we are tired and weary, He lifts us, carries us, and places us back on track when we waver.  He gives us nourishment through His Word. When we fall down, He helps us up again. Finally, He is there at the finish, rooting for us, welcoming us, and adorning us with a crown. The trophy is eternal, not made of Gold or Silver but is an everlasting treasure. 

Keep in mind, we do not just run for ourselves.  Our reward is not the mansion in the sky. In this race, we win by bringing as many people with us as we can. They are not our competitors, but rather our partners who, in seeing how we conducted ourselves, hopefully are inspired to begin the journey themselves.

Submitted by Amy Kuhns