Giving Up is Not an Option

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57 NKJV

In a story titled “Conquering the wall: A marathon runner's mental triumph” published yesterday, runner Vuyani Ndlovu said that his training for last Sunday’s Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was complicated by a medical procedure that forced him to take a break from training. “ This setback,” he said, “not only affected my physical fitness, but also shook my confidence. As I lined up at the starting line, I couldn't shake the anxiety about when I would hit the wall (a point where runners' bodies hit a breaking point, and many succumb to the urge to quit). The wall arrived around the 28-kilometre mark. My legs felt heavy, and the once exhilarating atmosphere turned into a monotonous slog. My mind, desperate for relief, suggested stopping. Yet, I knew that giving up was not an option. This was a mental battle as much as a physical one… The final kilometres were a blur of pain, determination, and relief. I crossed the finish line, exhausted but exhilarated. The marathon had been a gruelling test, but I had emerged victorious. 

And, you know, while “the wall” is a formidable opponent in the world of long distance running, believers face a greater opponent each and every day… an opponent that seeks not only to stop us but to utterly and completely destroy us. Furthermore this battle isn’t against a flesh and blood enemy but against the unseen devil and his evil forces in the heavenly realms. Which is the very reason we must be ready to face these diabolical attacks with the confident courage of knowing that ultimate victory will come “through our Lord Jesus Christ” if we don’t give up. We might come out of the battle exhausted, but we WILL emerge victorious if we keep our eyes on Jesus and keep fighting the good fight. 

So remember that the Christian life is not a sprint, or even a marathon my friend. It’s a lifelong ultra marathon that’s not for the faint of heart. There will be troubles, grueling tests, and “walls” along the way but God will give us the strength to push through each and every one. So hang in there until you reach that final finish line and see the Savior’s face. I promise you it will be worth it. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You never said that the race set before us would be easy. In fact, You told us that it would take endurance, faith, hope, and determination to finish it. Help us to stay strong in the tests of life and to keep the faith Lord so that we might emerge victorious through your Son, Jesus Christ. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!