Look to Jesus as Your Example

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 BSB

In a story titled “Mill Race runner plans 70th marathon on 70th birthday,” it was reported that Steve Ranson of Plainfield, Ohio will be celebrating his 70th birthday on September 28 by running his 70th 26.2 mile race at the Columbus’ annual Mill Race Marathon. Ranson, who began running marathons 30 years ago, says it’s harder for him to take days off than it is to find motivation. He trains five days a week, running around five miles a day, with a 10-mile day every couple of weeks. He describes himself as average — “average guy, average build, average pace” — but years of conditioning mean he’s in shape to run a marathon at “the drop of a hat.” He compares maintaining his state to a pot of simmering water, as opposed to room temperature water. Kick up the flame just a bit, and it’ll quickly boil. “It’s just the joy of doing it,” Ranson says about his continued motivation to run.

And you know, when it comes to having and keeping the “continued motivation” to faithfully run the race marked out for us until the very end, the Bible tells us that we must “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” because He is the greatest example to follow. You see, just as a runner focuses on the finish line knowing that a reward awaits them, Jesus looked forward to “the joy” of completing the race because He knew what awaited Him. Jesus endured the pain and humiliation of the cross because He knew it was the only way to conquer death once and for all and to provide forgiveness for our sins.

So knowing that we can only run the race if we look to Jesus as our example, let us vow to keep our eyes laser-locked and focused on Him as we allow “the joy” of completing the race motivate us to press on despite the trials and troubles we will face along the way. It will be so worth it!

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we each have our own race to run. Help us to keep our eyes on You so that we will be motivated to endure sufferings with joy in the same way You did. Help us to follow your example that we might motivate others to do the same. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!