Keep Running

Over Easter weekend, Cheryl and I were with our grandchildren. Our seven-year-old grandson was telling me about his cross-country running last year, looking forward to competing again this year. I told him that in grade 9 I ran cross country and finished last place in my first race!  I was 62nd out of 62 who finished.

I was the last to finish, but I wasn’t actually the last, as there were others who dropped out and didn’t finish the race. Even though I was last, I still had a sense of accomplishment because I didn’t give up.

I wasn’t a particularly good long-distance runner. The reason I was running was to get in shape for basketball. And that it did. So even though I didn’t win any ribbons, I still had success.

When I ran, I had few people cheering me on, but those that did meant a lot. We are all in a race and we all need the encouragement to keep going. 

James tells us that the testing of our faith produces perseverance and that perseverance works in us to make us mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Sometimes the most important thing we need to know when in a difficult situation or season is simply this: Keep going!

Sometimes the answer we are looking for is simply this. Persevere. Keep walking.

Questions of what to do in difficult times can often paralyze. Micah 6:8 gives us some sound advice:

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
    And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
    and to walk humbly with your God.

What does God require?  

Act justly. 

Love mercy 

Walk with Him.

When I’m not sure what to do, these three things will always be good. 

And it’s been said this way in reference to Psalm 23:  What do I do when I am in a dark valley? I walk through it. I keep walking. I keep going. I don’t give up.

“even though I walk through the dark valley I will not fear.”

So folks, let’s persevere in the race God has called each of us to run.