Riders have dismounted their bikes and are now on the
final leg of their journey through the triathlon course. Now is the time to
run. Although the muscles are tired from the swimming and bicycling, one must
press on through the last miles of the race.
Two of the key factors in the running portion of the
race are consistency and endurance. This run is not a sprint. A consistent,
even pace must be set so that it can be maintained for several miles. Because
one has already swam and biked those prior portions of the race, endurance will
be challenged. The body is tired, but the runner must keep putting one foot in
front of the other, step after step, all the way to the finish line. As the
finish line gets closer keeping the consistent pace to the very end may be very
difficult.
Consistency in a Christian life is also key. Day in
and day out we follow the direction of the Lord. The apostle Paul pleads for
believers to live consistent, righteous lives. “I therefore, the prisoner for the
Lord, appeal to and beg you to
walk (lead a life) worthy of the [divine] calling to which you have been called
[with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God's service, Living as
becomes you] with complete lowliness of mind (humility) and meekness
(unselfishness, gentleness, mildness), with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because you
love one another.” Ephesians 4:1-2 (AMP) Through good times
and difficult times we are to possess and share joy. “…for
the joy of the Lord is your strength and
stronghold.”(Nehemiah 8:10 AMP) Through exciting events and mundane
daily activities we must remember “And whatever you do [no matter what
it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person,
giving praise to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians
3:17 AMP)
Endurance is
also critical to a faithful walk with Jesus. Many turned away from Jesus when His
teachings became difficult to follow. At this He posed a question to His
disciples. “Jesus said to the Twelve,
Will you also go away? [And do you too desire to leave Me?] Simon Peter
answered, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words (the message) of
eternal life.” (John 6:67-68 AMP)
Jesus poses the same question to us today. Like Peter, our reply should always
be, “Only you have the words of life, Lord.” With that response we continue to
run the race the Lord has chosen for us.
Both
consistency and endurance are accomplished by determination and a strong
decision to go on no matter what may come in our lives. Scripture gives this
instruction to us, “And set your minds and keep them set on what is above
(the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2 AMP) Having our minds set in
advance will give us the focus to remain constant and strength to endure
hardships at all times and in all areas of life. We need this determination so
that we do not experience what the apostle Paul was careful to guard against. “Therefore I do not run uncertainly (without
definite aim). I do not box like one beating the air and striking without an adversary. But [like a boxer] I buffet
my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear
that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not
stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit].” (1 Corinthians 9:26-27 AMP) We must run well
until the very end.
At various
points around the runner’s route, volunteers hand out water to the athletes.
This cool liquid both satisfies the thirst and refreshes the body. Believers
will also encounter refreshment along their spiritual path. When trials are at
their hardest, others may come alongside to encourage and assist. Our weary
souls can receive all that God offers through others. Whether one is near or
far, a word of encouragement or a kind act can both quench the spiritual thirst
and refresh a weary spirit. “Like cold
water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far [home] country.” (Proverbs 25:25 AMP) “A man has joy in making an apt answer, and
a word spoken at the right moment—how good it is!” (Proverbs 15:23 AMP)
With
determination we run our race consistently following Jesus to the very end. Accepting
help along the way, we press on longing to hear the words, “…Well done, you upright (honorable, admirable) and faithful servant!
You have been faithful and
trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the
blessedness) which your master enjoys.” (Matthew 25:21 AMP)
Run
consistently until the very end. You can do it!
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