Have the Determination to Finish the Race

“Then David rested with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David. He had reigned forty years over Israel—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem.” 1 Kings 2:10-11 NIV

In an inspiring story titled “These dedicated runners have done every LA Marathon for nearly 4 decades” published Monday, the writer shared the stories of some amazing people who have been running the LA Marathon every year since its inception. They have run through heartache and grief, battling illnesses and injuries as their bodies have aged. Some are now using wheelchairs, including the oldest who is 87. Despite it all, the Los Angeles Marathon’s Legacy Runners have stuck to their mission: finish the race. On Sunday, the group of 92 marathoners, including 10 women, marked their 40th LA Marathon, participating in the 26.2-mile (42.2-kilometer) race every year since the city’s iconic event began in 1986. “We’re legacy runners, we just don’t know when to quit,” 77-year-old Lou Briones said. Briones even has finished the race on crutches after surgery. Since getting both knees replaced, he walks the race. “You gotta do it,” Briones said. “No matter what the conditions are, you gotta be there at the starting line on race day.”

And, you know, this hardcore determination to finish the race, or continue the work for decades ‘no matter what the conditions are,’ is the same determination King David displayed throughout the forty years he reigned over Israel. Talk about an original legacy runner! Despite his many faults, David was admired and respected as a hero by the people of Israel. His lifelong dedication to God, his loyalty in the face of ill-treatment, his courage in war, his benevolence in conquest, and his faithfulness in friendship were so extraordinary that he will forever be viewed as an ideal king and a man after God’s own heart. David’s story serves as an example for all of us to follow. 

So, ‘no matter what the conditions are,’ stay loyal, devoted, and true to the Lord until the end my friend. Strive to be known as a person after God’s own heart and you will leave a legacy of faithfulness in the same way David did. Is there any better legacy we could leave? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example David gave us to follow. He was not a perfect man but, in the end, we know he displayed a lifetime of faithfulness and perseverance and was a guy who just didn’t know when to quit. Help us to learn from his mistakes Lord and to seek You the way David did that we might make it to that final finish line, and inspire others along the way to do the same. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!