The Next Leg of the Race

Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Each phase of the race is both distinct and essential to the whole. We have begun, in many respects, the next leg of our race. What will we do with this part of our race?

• In this race you must know how to push yourself. There is no good time to quit this race. God put you in it and it is not over until you cross the threshold of His throne room. That is where the crowns will be handed out. An aged Paul wrote, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). So must we.
• In this race you must know how to pace yourself. Patience! Every day and every mile will not be the same. Sometimes you do not feel like running! Those are the times that you must just keep putting one foot in front of another. Some days you may soar, others you may run, many you may walk – but keep moving forward (Isaiah 40:31). Wait upon the Lord for His strength and don’t stop.
• In this race you must know how to prepare yourself. This principle is not just true early in your Christian life – it is every day! Runners know that daily preparation is necessary if you want to be ready to run. Every day we must feed on God’s Word, stretch our faith, and stay unencumbered by anything that would weigh us down (1 Corinthians 10:25-27).

Are you still on the first mile? Start and do not quit.

Are you called to go the second mile? Go beyond what is expected.

Do you feel like you may be on your last mile? Finish strong.

A Cloud of Witnesses

I enjoy running for exercise and for health. One thing I have noticed is that we tend to run a little faster when others are with us, or we think someone is watching. Perhaps it is pride, but there is a principle at work: in the race of life we must always remember that someone is watching. While it is true that others are watching your life it is most important to consider the One who sees it all.

Hebrews 12:1-2 says, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Some think that those who have gone on before us to heaven are watching as “witnesses.” I believe that the witnesses spoken of here are those just referred to in Hebrews 11, witnessing TO us of God’s faithfulness and the need for faith in Him. The One who is watching our race is the only One who matters, the Lord Jesus Christ. He awaits us at the end. 

Life is a Marathon and a Relay

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you…this is also a relay race! Others are coming behind you that desperately need your example of faithfulness and testimony of truth. By God’s grace we must pass the baton to the next generation.

Keep running, friend. See you at the finish line.

About Scott Pauley