I have never been a long-distance runner, but I have always loved sprinting. When I was in track, I did short sprints, hurdles and jumping events. Never did I participate in something that would take me twice around the track. No thank you. When I was in basketball, I was all about that combination steal-fastbreak-layup with nobody guarding me. When I was in soccer, I loved ball handling down the entire field to make an assist or attempt a goal. When I played Ultimate Frisbee, I liked to run as fast as I could to catch a pass in the end zone. Then ask for a sub. Overall, I like to make big moves and then sit out to recover.
A sprint is easy and, at the risk of being redundant, over quickly. I love knowing that I can put in my full effort because it will be done soon. I love that fleeting, flying feeling.
Having to push myself? Meh, I’d rather not. Having to hear my staggered breathing and feel sweat drip down my forehead? Yikes. Having to pace myself and keep going after I don’t want to? Torturous.
Yet, the two verses that God gave me regarding this journey are about endurance and perseverance, both from the book of Hebrews. Oh, great.
endurance: the ability or strength to continue or last, especially despite fatigue, stress or other adverse conditions; stamina
In Chapter 10, the writer of Hebrews recalls how the people were persecuted for their faith, and then he calls them to endure: “You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you had better and lasting possessions. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.“
perseverance: steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement
Later, in Chapter 12, after listing numerous faith-filled people who ran after God despite their difficult or impossible circumstances, the writer urges them to persevere: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
God has been showing me that not every day contains a mountaintop experience or a deep valley experience. Most of the time, you just plod along a plain at a steady pace, maybe not feeling anything super high or super low, fixing your eyes on the goal ahead of you and knowing that you will get there. He keeps telling me to simply take the next step.
On your mark, get set, slow…
