As I started my run I noticed that most people were running with at least one other person, though there were a few of us singles. After the first half mile there weren't too many spectators to cheer on the runners until the end, but every time I heard them encouraging us it spurred me to keep running and to pick up the pace. At the finish line, aside from the many people lining the sidewalks and cheering, an announcer was reporting the names of breast cancer survivors as they crossed the line. It was really an amazing display of people united for a cause. It was also pretty exhausting as I set a new personal record.
I was reminded of a few verses from Hebrews:
- 10:24- "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds" (NIV).
- 12:1-2- "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God" (ESV).
We need to be cheering one another on in this race of life. We weren't meant to run the race alone, but to come alongside one another with encouragement, challenge, and even rebuke at times. We should all be running toward the same goal, united in Christ to bring others into eternal life with Him. And one day we will hear Him call our name as those who have not only survived, but have "finished the race and kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for [us] the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing" (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
Let us "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).
