Believers Will Face Tough Obstacles

“For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.” 2 Corinthians 4:17 BSB

In an impressive story titled “This ultra runner finished one marathon every day for an entire year” published yesterday, it was reported that on the last day of 2024, Belgian ultra runner and bioengineer, Hilde Dosogne, crossed the finish line cheered on by a sea of spectators. Hilde Dosogne set out to smash the Guinness World Record as the first woman to run a marathon every single day of the year. She was able to run most marathons on a flat loop around a stretch of water outside the university town of Ghent, with a strong headwind as one of her toughest obstacles. Onlookers expected Hilde to appear exhausted and struggling to put one foot in front of the other, but she emerged weary with a big smile and her arms up in the air. Hilde exclaimed that she was glad it was over as she completed her final marathon of the year after fighting off blisters, bursitis, the flu, and more.... It goes to show the true power, agility, and endurance of a persistent athlete. Running one marathon isn’t just a physical feat, it also displays mental fortitude.

And, you know, when it comes to running our spiritual race (if we're running to win as we are called to do that is), you and I would do well to remember that it's not a matter of if we will face tough obstacles but when we will face them. And when we face them, we must, like Paul (who was a great example of what it means to be a persistent athlete) display mental fortitude or an ability to stay strong and persevere when faced with challenges, such as adversity or illness--something we do by viewing our troubles and trials as "light and momentary affliction” that “is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison." You see, as Paul who had suffered greatly knew, our troubles might seem huge and like they will never end but in light of eternity, they really don’t last for very long nor does the pain they bring. Which is the very reason, we can and must press on to the finish line despite the tough obstacles we will face along the way. 

So, no matter what you’re facing today, remember this my friend... in light of the time you will spend in eternity, the trials and troubles of this world are impermanent and insubstantial no matter how long-lasting they might seem or how heavy they might feel. Considerate it joy then, as you encounter them, knowing that your example (like Paul's) will inspire others to do the same.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the suffering and the sorrows we experience in this world will not last long. Help us to feel your presence Lord as we go through these difficulties knowing that one day we will be with You and our sorrows and suffering will be no more. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!