All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen and welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country which they left, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:13-16
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sakes. Philippians 1:21-24
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 1 Corinthians 9:24
Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
What should be your life’s goal? To make it to the finish line. What is the finish line? Jesus. Heaven. Eternal family with God. What was the ‘goal’ Jesus was looking at? As the pressure increases and the times get tough the desire to ‘quit’ the race only grows. What is needed? Endurance. How does one obtain endurance?
James put it this way…
Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
With faith AND endurance, we will make it and finish our race.
And we desire that each one of you demonstrate the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and endurance inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:11-13
Are your eyes on the finish line or are you so distracted by the current obstacles and growing pain of the mile you are in? The body and flesh will cry out for you to stop, but you’ve already decided to ‘finish the race’ no matter the cost. It is now a matter of your will and your trust in Him to see you through your current pain. Do you have faith in Him? Can He do what you can’t? Are you asking for His strength? Are you seeking Him in the midst of your current ‘trial’? Has He proven faithful in the past trials He has seen you through?
Are you building your endurance? Are you using and exercising the faith He has given you?
Father be with us as we run this race. Jesus, show us the way. Holy Spirit give us the instructions and turns You would have us take.