Encouragement
Maintain or regain your motivation to keep moving forward in life by applying these four principles from Hebrews 12:1-2:
Examine the examples
Eschew the entanglements
Endure the endeavor
Engage the expert
Examine the Examples
One of the most motivational aspects of running is reading about the experiences of others. These experiences encourage us by showing us it can be done and how to do it. Reading race reports from those who have previously run the race was an important part of training for my first ultramarathon. In the same way, the writer of Hebrews encourages us to look to the examples of those who have come before, so that we faithfully run the race with perseverance.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses…” (Hebrews 12:1 NIV)
The word “witnesses” means testifiers or examples. It does not only mean that we are being observed and supported, but also that we look to observe them and how they set the pace for persevering in the faith. These heroes of faith are witnesses of God’s provision and sustenance. We have examples of those who have run the same course that we are running. We know it can be done because other have done it before us and are encouraging us now.
Eschew the Entanglements
I have learned after four ultramarathons to carry as little as possible. If the race has many aids stations, I carry only a water bottle and a bag of small items (medicine, band-aids, etc.). At night I wear a headlamp. Any more than that is really unnecessary and hinders my running.
Not only are we encouraged by example, but we are admonished to get rid of anything that prevents us from running our best. We are urged to:
“throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles…” (Hebrews 12:1 NIV)
What is holding you back or is impeding you from persevering in faith and being all God wants you to be? What hinders one person may not hinder another, and hindrances (weights) are not necessarily sins. Hindrances are any distractions that keep us from pressing on. They are as individual as each of us, but many of the common ones include TV, the computer, video games, and cell phones. You’ll notice a lot of hindrances are caused by increased technology that is actually designed to make our lives easier. Hindrances must be assessed and dealt with individually.
Sin entangles (clings closely to) all of us and needs to be confessed and turned from. The Bible is pretty clear about what is sin. If it doesn’t help you run your race, whether it’s a hindrance or sin, then it needs to be discarded. Seek the Spirit’s guidance in revealing sin and hindrances in your life.
Endure the Endeavor
“Relentless forward progress” is a common motivational phrase in ultrarunning. One of the reason I didn’t finish my first 100-miler was simply because I sat down. When you’ve been running all day and a lot of the night, sitting down is the easiest and most dangerous thing to do. It makes it too easy to quit.
It’s impossible to finish a long race if you don’t run it correctly. It not only matters how we finish, it also matters how we run. We must “keep on keeping on.” We must
“run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1 NIV)
The race is life and the goal is to be all that God created us to be. For most of us this will be a long race, so we need to run as if it will last a long time. We need to prepare ourselves to keep going regardless of the obstacles. Some versions use “endurance” instead of “perseverance.” Endurance means to bear up under or withstand. It is not so much a resignation to pain as an attitude of triumphant facing of difficult circumstances. Like all good running routes, we have markings on the course to lead us onward and give us hope that we’re going in the right direction.
Engage the Expert
I often read writing from or about the experts in the ultrarunning field, like Scott Jurek, Dean Karnezes, or Pam Reed. They are experts by virtue of their experience, ability, and accomplishments. Their wisdom and example help me to become more focused. Better focus helps me become a better runner.
The experts in running are not perfect, nor did they die for us. The Expert for our life race was and did.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2 NIV)
The word “fix” means to focus intensely on or concentrate steadfastly. When you are fixed on a target, it is more difficult to become distracted. Jesus gives (authors) our faith and completes (perfects) it. In him, we have a model to follow that cannot be outdone. Because of what he endured, he is able to impart to us what we need endure. His eyes were not fixed on the shame or hardship, but on us. His reward for running with perseverance will be our reward. He is the one who gives us the strength to finish the race. He is the reason we have hope to keep on going. He is the reason - our reason. He is our champion.
When you start lacking motivation to keep going, give Hebrews 12:1-2 another read. Watch those who are witness to what God can do. Get rid of the junk. Commit to persistent progress toward your purpose. And most importantly, focus on our Champion. Let these words of wisdom from Hebrews be an encouragement to you - a welcome aid station along the way.
For more info, please visit www.runwithperseverance.com.
© 2007 Jeff Coble All rights reserved. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
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