My friend Rafael was one of 50,000 runners in the New York City Marathon–the largest race in the world.
When most of us were trying to get an extra hour of sleep, he posted on Facebook: “Getting on the Staten Island Ferry now with all the other runners to go over to the start area!!! See you at the finish line.”
After many months of training, the time had come to run the 26.2-mile race through the five boroughs.
The personal stories of the runners are inspiring. Some overcame cancer, tragedy and lost. Others are running for charities dear to their hearts or in honor of someone. These stories of commitment, faith, hope and determination lift our spirits.
I was inspired by the 91-year-old woman who when she was 64, was told that she had to quit smoking. She stopped, started running and is still going strong.
In the New Testament, the faith journey is compared to running a race. It speaks to the topic in different ways. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-26, it makes note that everyone runs, but only one gets the prize… that eventually fades away. But those who run the faith race win an external prize.
In another passage, the Apostle Paul knows the time of his death is near and states, “I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” Finally in Hebrews 12:1, we are encouraged by the following words, “Let us run with the endurance the race God has set before us.”
In the faith journey, it is about being faithful, persevering and enduring until we cross the finish line. We can all be winners of the eternal prize. Does it take endurance? Yes! Do you need to keep your eyes on the prize? Absolutely! Is it worth it? Indeed.
Do you believe that with God’s help you will cross the finish line? How do you remain faithful?
My prayer: God, help us to persevere and remain focused upon us until we cross the finish line.
