“Run, Forrest, Run.” Remember the movie Forrest Gump? He says, “Now you wouldn’t believe me if I told you, but I can run like the wind blows. From that day on, if I was going somewhere I was running.” My mom, Shirley Adkins, lives this way—she keeps on running. She had always wanted to challenge her body to be stronger. So several years after retirement, around age seventy, she began entering local 5K races and hasn’t stopped. What does it take to keep on running?
Two things:
1. Resolve: My mom is determined not to give up. Webster defines resolve as“a firm course of action.” There are days she doesn’t feel like going to the gym or going on a jog, yet Mom keeps her schedule. I am impressed with how she implements her plan. Day in, day out, she follows through with her commitment to work out no matter how she feels.
“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 market out for us.” Hebrews 12:1
2. Renew: My mom resets her mind every day through prayer time with God and studying His word. She asks God for help. Even after Dad passed away, Mom continued and even increased her workouts.“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
On this Passion Week, you might be suffering. Have you felt distance in a valued relationship? Are you grieving the loss of a loved one, or are you in acute physical or emotional pain? Remembering Jesus’ anguish helps our own suffering make sense. Jesus was not only obedient, but he was passionately determined to finish well. Are you resolute to stay in and keep on running the race? You can do it. Make the choice—now—to finish well.
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Acts 20:24
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father, thank you for your sending your Son as a sacrifice for our sin. Thank you for His example of how to complete His life in victory. Thank you for your Word that tells us how to stay in the race. Thank you for the power of the Holy Spirit that enables us with the tenacity and ability to finish well. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Check out my other blog at From Ashes to Beauty.