“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…” Hebrews 12:1b
This verse took on new meaning as I watched hundreds of runners last year embark on a 25 or 50 mile race in the mountains of Colorado. My brother-in-law and another friend of ours were among those who started the race at 5:30am.
In preparation for the race, my brother-in-law did training runs – some for distance, some on trails, all designed to prepare his body and his mind for the marathon-length or longer race.
I was forced to reflect on the spiritual implications of preparing for the race marked out for us. How can I expect to run with perseverance if I have not trained? What does it mean to spiritually train for the race marked out for us?
What kind of training is involved to prepare you to be victorious?
“Read your Bible and pray every day and you’ll grow, grow, grow.”
A children’s song with simple lyrics and a simple tune that I remember singing as a child. It expresses the basic truths and importance of reading our Bible and praying.
A prayer before meals and a verse in a devotional reflection is good, but do these perfunctory acts reflect a deep relationship with God that will allow us to be victorious through the tough times?
I offer a reminder today that there is great value in digging deeply in the Word, allowing God to speak to you there, and reveal transformative truths through Scripture. There is also a wealth of joy and promise found in pouring our hearts out to God in prayer.
There are many ways in which we can read Scripture, many methods of prayer, various other spiritual disciplines that serve as spiritual training. But the point is this: communication and relationship with our Father is foundational to be able to run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1b).
My encouragement is that you transform your view of prayer and Scripture today. Look at them as spiritual training for the race marked out for you and rejoice in the opportunity to train and thus be able to persevere and be victorious.