As a freshman in high school I ran track. I was untested in this area of competition. The coach positioned me in the 100 yard dash during one of the first home meets. Crouched forward, feet in stocks, the momentum built for seconds until the gun shot sounded. I rushed out of my place, aware of the pressure on my knees, passed competitors, and sprinted into 3rd place out of six runners.

I remember hearing a classmate’s voice, “Wow! Look at Kelly go!”

I had no idea I could run that fast!

Oftentimes we have no idea how fast we can go, nor how much we can endure.

As believers we are called to run the race set before us. (Hebrews 12:1) To do so, we must keep running and not give up, because the race is one of endurance. We must remain steadfast in the faith, no matter what trials come. To do so requires throwing off encumbrances—anything that holds us back—sin. Sin easily entangles people, pulling at them, slowing them down. It’s like running against a strong wind or pulling a heavy parachute. Flee from sin, that is how you run to win! (1Corinthians 9:24)

To run means to go through hurdles, just as some runners leap one hurdle after another. This is like the endurance of tribulation. It comes to us all: divorce, disease, depression, deaths of loved ones, etc..(i call them “d” words.) But Lord Jesus said, “Take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) As we run, He is present, the coach on the sidelines, encouraging, teaching, and supporting. He goes through troubles with us.

Daniel was an Old Testament prophet, a child of Judah, taken into captivity to Babylon at the fall of Jerusalem. There he was made a eunuch, his manhood cut off of him. He endured a lion’s den, from which God saved him by shutting the mouths of the lions. He served four royal kings, explaining their dreams and recording what God told him in visions. At the end of 70 years of captivity, Daniel, then in his 80s, yet lived, continuing to be used by God during the time of Cyrus, the man appointed by God to rebuild Jerusalem. (Book of Daniel; Daniel 6:28; Ezra 1)

His inspirational writings have eternal value, affecting the lives of millions and many more to come as he recorded what was to happen in end days.

Daniel endured much, running the course set before him, during a time of extreme persecution. His faith was kept as he faithfully prayed three times daily even when it was against the law and because he knew the Scriptures and knew captivity would end. (Jeremiah 29:10) God preserved him.

For the joy set before Him, Lord Jesus endured persecution and capital punishment — death on a cross. (Hebrews 12:2) He saw that the hard things would end. He took the cup of suffering and obeyed God the Father, for the sake of the lives of millions and many more.

Life’s circumstances aren’t always controllable. We must surrender to what God wishes to do.in our lives. Suffering happens. He works all things together for good, for His church’s good.

Endurance is a positive experience, though suffering hurts. It leads to overcoming the obstacle in the path, the hurdle. This builds faith.

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1John 5:4)

It is work that has eternal value because it involves your soul, your character while others watch and see your life’s living testimony. How many people will your life affect?

Are you running your race as God directs? Are you following Him even during dark days of the “d” words? Keep your mind in Scripture, especially the Words of Lord Jesus.

Stay in touch with Him through prayer.

Have you stumbled and fallen? Get up! The race continues. You can do it! You too can endure the hard things and overcome them. He is here to help you. Call out, “Help me Lord Jesus!”

LOOK UP!