Perseverance is what counts
Perhaps you recall the 10,000 metres final when Mo Farah won gold again this summer in Rio. After about 4,000 metres, Mo was accidentally tripped by his US training partner Galen Ripp and fell to the ground. Getting up immediately, he continued the race – having to fight his way back to the front in the last 100 metres and winning the race in a time that was 25 seconds faster than his 2012 win! Although he fell, he didn't give up – he had his eyes on the prize and his perseverance paid off among some world class competitors.
In life, we have the same risks. Sometimes we fall, then face the decision to either get up and keep running, or to wallow in our failure and abandon the race altogether.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12: 1-3 [NIV]
Am I starting out at the back and worried if I will finish, let alone win?
Do I need to brush myself off and get back on my feet?
Are my eyes fixed on Jesus, or the other runners?
Lord, I want to learn the lesson that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Even when things are difficult, help me to focus on you. Amen
Dave MacLellan
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