Today’s Tuesday Thoughts will focus on how we run with endurance. The Bible tells us, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. (Hebrews 12:1)A few years ago, I signed up for my very first 5K.
Let me be honest. Just signing up felt like a big deal. There was a registration fee, training, and a lot of early mornings when my body didn’t feel like moving. But I had committed, so I showed up, trained, and ran the race. And at the finish line? I received the prize – my very first finisher’s medal. Looking back, I see how perfectly that mirrors our spiritual journey.
Signing Up Has a Cost
When I signed up for the 5K, I paid a price and made a commitment. It wasn’t free or effortless. In contrast, salvation is free. Jesus paid our entry fee with His life. Still, following Him requires commitment. Jesus said, “Take up your cross and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23). The starting line of our faith is free, but the race requires surrender, obedience, and endurance.
Get Your Number and Instructions
At every race, you get a bib number. This is your identity in the race. As believers, we are marked by Christ and given everything we need to run well: His Word as our instruction, His Spirit as our guide, and His strength as our fuel. This is a great Tuesday Thoughts reminder!
Face Obstacles and Run With Endurance
Training wasn’t easy. Some days were hard. There were times I wanted to quit. But I kept going because I had my eyes on the goal, which for me was to finish the race. Spiritual endurance works the same way. Life can throw many obstacles our way. But we are called to run with endurance, the race that has been marked out for us. How? By fixing our eyes on Jesus. He ran first, and He ran the best. And He endured the path to the cross for each of us. (John 3:16)
Receive the Prize
After months of training and miles on the pavement, crossing the finish line was a moment of joy (and exhaustion, but mostly joy!) I wore my medal proudly because it represented victory. In Christ, we run toward an even greater prize. So consider the following bible verse as part of your Tuesday thoughts!
As Paul wrote in Philippians 3:14, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Yes, our ultimate prize is Heaven! And in 2 Timothy 4:8, it states, “Now there is in store for me 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 longed for his appearing.” That is Tuesday Thoughts’ best news of the day!
Are You Ready to Sign Up?
If you haven’t yet “registered” for the race, now is the time. Today is the day of Salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2) Jesus already paid your entry fee. What he asks in return is your heart and your willingness to run after him with endurance. Salvation is a gift; all who receive this gift are promised eternal life with him. Only receive it. Are you ready to add this to your Tuesday thoughts?
Tuesday Thoughts: Prayer for Today
Lord, thank You for running ahead of me and showing me what it means to live a life of purpose and perseverance. That’s the subject of these wise Tuesday Thoughts. Thank you for the gift of salvation. I accept this gift, and with your help, I will run this race with endurance for you all the days of my life. Strengthen me in moments of weakness and fix my eyes on You, the Author and Finisher of my faith. I want to finish well for your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
