Many times running is used as a metaphor for going through- or for most of us, struggling through life. We’ve all heard people say things like “running the race” or “going the extra mile”, etc.

For example, in Hebrews 12, Paul encourages followers of Christ with this: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…”

(Hebrews 12:1).

Now I’m not an athlete, and I don’t pretend to be one, but I do enjoy running… when I feel like running... You feel me? I never feel like running when I actually need to. I usually just run when I have nothing else to do.

I don’t know about you, but making the decision to run can sometimes be the most difficult part. You either have to get up earlier than usual in the morning or make time for it during the day. You give up sleep, or you give up being comfortable. However, on the days that I do choose to run, I always end up enjoying it. And when I don’t choose to run, I always regret not making time for it.

Life is a lot like this too, is it not?

We give up easily. We don’t want to run because we don’t want to give up being comfortable.

We feel like running is a burden because we forget why and more importantly, who we’re running for. Let’s not forget the second half of what Paul said in Hebrews 12: “...looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

I’ve learned that the more I run, the easier it gets. I’ve seen that when you run every day, you see improvements. I’ve also seen that when you take weeks or months off, you fall back drastically.

When your eyes are fixed on the finish line, the race doesn’t seem as exhausting.

When your eyes are fixed on Jesus, you realize the race is worth running for.