Dropping Out is Not an Option

“The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.” Acts 5:41-42 NIV

In a story published by Runner's World last week, it was reported that things were going exactly according to plan for Habtom Samuel. The sophomore at the University of New Mexico was right where he wanted to be—with the lead pack—at the midway point of the NCAA Division I Cross-Country Championships in Verona, Wisconsin on Saturday. Then, disaster struck. Just after the 5K mark, halfway through the 10K race, Samuel lost a shoe... Samuel, missing shoe and all, was still able to unleash a furious kick and finish second, celebrating as he crossed the finish line… His bloodied shoe was recovered by a spectator, and it shows a noticeable hole on the side. “It’s hard to run barefoot. My foot, I don’t feel anything. (The ground) is so hard,” Samuel added. Temperatures in Wisconsin were in the mid-30s during the race, and it snowed in the days leading up to Saturday. Not exactly ideal barefoot running conditions. Despite it all, Samuel said at no point during the race did he consider dropping out. “I can’t quit,” he said. “I don’t want to stop.”

And, you know, when it comes to running the race despite being faced with less than ideal conditions, the Bible gives us the story of the persecution of the apostles that resulted from their refusal to obey the warning from the Jewish officials to cease preaching and teaching in the name of Jesus. Even after being jailed and later flogged for their disobedience to the warning, the disciples never once considered dropping out, but rejoiced “because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.” 

So, knowing that a time of persecution could very well be in our near future as foretold in the Word, vow to keep sharing the Good News despite any less than ideal conditions you will face for doing so my friend. Our job is that important! Like the apostles, embrace any suffering you might encounter for the Name and rejoice as you press on to the finish line. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the Christian life is not an easy one and that it will get harder as we approach the day of Jesus’ return. Lord please help us to draw strength from your Word and the story of the apostles so we will be ready to follow their example and preach and teach the Good News with all boldness and urgency despite the consequences. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!