Friends make all the difference

"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." Hebrews 10:25 NLT

Iain Mickle ran his first sub-three-hour marathon (which was also his first marathon) in 1977 at the age of 17 and his most recent sub-three-hour marathon just three days after turning 59. In doing so, Iain set a world record for the longest elapsed time, 42 years, between sub-three hour finishes.Mickle admits that while consistency is important, his real secret to athletic success is simple: friendship. He trains with a regular running group that meets multiple times a week to “suffer” together. “I really enjoy my long runs and hard workouts because of the group of people I’m running with every day,” Mickle says. “It’s so important to have supportive people to run with. You need people to share goals with and be competitive with. It’s what keeps me going.”

And you know, as a member of a running group myself, I couldn't agree more with Iain. Having a group of people supporting and encouraging us to keep going will most definitely motivate our resolve to keep lacing up our shoes day after day. Much in the same way, we as Christians, motivate one another to keep pressing on when we regularly fellowship with one another. In fact, this is the exact reason Paul urged believers not to neglect "meeting together, as some people do," but to gather together often so they could "encourage one another" to keep running the race. 

So if you aren't a part of an encouraging group of believers, I would highly advise you to seek one out and become an active member my friend. You'll be surprised at how meeting with fellow followers regularly will not only motivate you to stay in the race but inspire you to make it all the way to the finish line. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that meeting regularly with other believers is the key to the long-term success of our walk with You. Help us to no only seek encouragement from a group of believers but to be an encourager as well. Help us to be one another's cheerleaders in life's race to the finish line. It's in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Cheer you on - Jordan Feliz