by Rev. Aidan Moon
Enduring Faith
You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
– 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, English Standard Version
I have never been a runner. But recently, I began to practice running intentionally as a way to build up some much needed cardiovascular endurance. Running consistently after some time of not moving faster than an amble is sobering – but I’ve begun to enjoy the early morning run. Two things have spurred me on as I run – the endurance and resilience of others, and the joy of the moment. First, I will sometimes listen to podcasts and stories of people who have experienced great struggle and been resilient through it. This encourages and strengthens me. But not only this, but some of the best moments, the most encouraging, are when when I am able to look up from the path and see the beauty of a world unfolding into the morning as the sun begins to rise. Even as I am a bit out of breath and having to train very intentionally to keep pace, I can run with joy. It puts the effort in perspective.
I have found myself pondering the many places in which scripture speaks of our Christian life in terms of running. Over and over again we are spurred on by scripture to endure. To stick with it, to hold out hope. And there are two things that put effort and endurance of life in perspective – the endurance of Christ, even to the cross and shame, and the joy of knowing what is coming. That God is at work, even among us, restoring and redeeming us and this world. Beauty, joy, and glory await. Revel in each taste, that you might endure, running with endurance.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:1-2
Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
