42 KILOMETERS OF LIFE

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. We do this
by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.

I started walking away from what I knew God was calling me to a few months ago. I
think I just grew tired of striving.

Come to think of it, I didn’t walk away so much as stop walking. In any race, to stop is
to fall behind. I asked myself subconsciously why I had ever chosen to run in the first
place. I forgot the thrill of the chase, and all I could think of was how hot the asphalt
was.

All I did was stop to catch my breath, and now the pack is gone, far into the distance.
It feels like I am so far behind. But I feel a force beside me. It is the voice of my
Trainer, ever close, urging me on in spite of my weak character. Why does He still
care? Can’t He tell that I’m a loser and a quitter? Not only that, but I made empty
promises to Him and others—the other runners, sponsors, fans, friends, family, as
well as to myself.

He tells me that none of that matters; all He is asking me to do is to forget the past,
the grueling last few kilometers, and get up and run again. I tell Him I can’t do it; I
can’t finish this race. Here I am maybe 15 or 20 kilometers in, and I’m already sitting
down! What makes Him think I can do it?

He tells me that He will give me the strength. He gives me a cup of cool water to
drink. It tastes wonderful, and I realize that I had stopped drinking this refreshing
water. I had figured I didn’t have time.

He tells me that He will set the pace to ensure I make it to the end. “But,” I argue, “I
won’t win if I don’t push harder.”

He reminds me that I am running for more than a trophy. I’m not running to beat the
other runners. I’m running for a cause—to carry my flag over the line. I didn’t start this
race to give up.

The cup is empty now, my thirst is quenched, and it’s time to get back on the road.
I’m aware of the time I’ve lost by sitting under the tree, but a part of me is still
screaming to sit back down. It’s a full five degrees hotter on the road! But is that
enough to keep me down? I was born to run!I tell myself. But I still can’t bring myself
to start. I can’t let Him down! I try to convince myself, but still the shade holds me
fast.

That’s when I hear it, carried on the gentle wind that swirls all around me! From just
around the next bend, they beckon me—those champions from races past. No, not
the vacationers sipping cocktails just behind the fence; these voices are much higher
up in the bleachers, in seats reserved for those who have gone before, who deserve
the honor and recognition accorded to those who have paid the price and run the
race to the finish line already.

They are calling me—no, they are yelling my name. “Run with the wind!” they tell me.
Now’s the time! My heart races but I hesitate yet again. Will I make it?“Yes,” my
Trainer promises, “Because I am here with you, and I will guide you all the way. Don’t
focus on the effort; focus on the goal. And most of all, don’t get down on yourself,
because in the end, what matters is to not quit.”

The first step is the hardest, as always, but somehow I manage. I believe this is what
He meant by “running with endurance.” Each step somehow feels lighter than the
last, now that I’ve started running again. I think I can do this. No, I think wecan do this
together.

Someday you will look back on your life and realize that everything worthwhile you’ve
ever accomplished initially challenged you. And that is as it should be, because big
challenges often prepare ordinary people for extraordinary success.

Every struggle arises for a reason—either for experience or as a lesson. A great
journey is never easy, and no dose of adversity along the way is ever a waste of time
if you learn and grow from it.—Angel Chernoff