Be encouraged!

 

I think it is safe to say my family is a running family. Stephanie and I both coached track and cross country. I ran two marathons, a couple of half marathons and countless 10K and 5K events. My daughters have both been runners. I have a granddaughter that finished her first marathon this fall and I have another granddaughter that lettered in both Track and Cross Country during High School. The picture above is of one of her races this year. 

When you are running in a race, it REALLY helps to have encouragement along the course. Physically any running competition is challenging to your body, but it is also very mentally taxing. When you have people cheering you on, it helps you get over the anxiety of the pain, weakness, and exhaustion. It helps you stay focused!

Doesn’t that sound just like life?

Paul says we are running the race:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people, then you won’t become weary and give up.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)

This passage of scripture is such a good analogy of running a race. To compete we need to remove anything that might slow us down, including people who might be holding us back. We need to keep focused on the goal ahead of us, in a race, that is the finish line. In life, that goal set before us is Jesus. But, one thing missing from these verses, WHO is the encourager? Well,  WE are supposed to be the encourager for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. We are supposed to encourage each other, love each other, and assist where needed. We are that person to help the runners in life stay focused on Jesus. We are the support group, the body, for all believers. 

In 1 Thessalonians, Paul does a great job encouraging his fellow believers:

“Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. So that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14-18)

Be encouraged fellow believers. The Lord is with you as you run this race! Keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith!