Running Your Race

Have you ever been to a cross country meet? We have several here at Huntingdon that are involved with this sport. I had to run cross country when I was in school. I mean, I HAD to run. The basketball coach decided that since he was not allowed to practice us, he would make us run cross country to get into shape. I wish I was one of those who enjoy running, but I am not. I do have a lot of respect for those who do. It is challenging to run cross country.

Cross country is not a sprint. It is usually about endurance. You are going to be running for several miles. It might be hot, cold, wet, or whatever other weather can strike our area. There are going to be some flat places, but there will most likely be some hills and valleys. There might be some wet places or some rocky places. There are going to be times when you might not feel well. The goal is simple: to keep putting one foot in front of the other no matter what happens. You are trying to make it to the finish line.

I think the Christian life can, in some ways, be compared to cross country. Most of us will have years as Christians. There are all kinds of external things that can make it difficult to run for Christ. There are going to be good times and bad times (hills and valleys). There are going to be times when your greatest enemy stares at you from the mirror. The goal is simple: just keep putting one foot in front of the other to cross that finish line (Hebrews 12:1). Do not quit or give up. We are surrounded by those who have gone before us and finished, and they are proof that we can finish also. Not only are we surrounded by a great cloud of witness, but we also have the greatest “coach” anyone could have. God watches over us and helps us in our time of need. You can do this in Christ.