Sometimes a lonely race . . .

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by such a great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us RUN with ENDURANCE the race that is set before us, looking into Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith . . . (Hebrews 12:1-2)

As those in the past "ran" with Jesus and did so by faith (Hebrews 11), we too can endure the struggles we face as we serve the Lord "by faith"! You see, it was God who called us by faith to Himself and it is He who has set aside a specific task for each of us to accomplish in and through HIM. As PUl wrote in Galatians 2:20, this is NOT our life, but HIS! Who are we to say "I quit!" or "I can't!"? So as we pray, confess, repent, and turn away from the sins that can hold us back. Be honest with God. Ask Him for endurance, much like a marathon runner. The marathon can be a lonely run. The runner against everyone else; especially his own mind! Yet he is surrounded by dozens of runners attempting to the same . . . make it to the finish. Our race can be lonely. However, know we do not run alone. We have some great examples in our past and even today. Most especially, take heart in knowing it is God who has set the race before us and it is God who will see us through. He is faithful to complete the plans He has begun in each of us. Just RUN . . . . or walk . . . even crawl . . .but never QUIT!