On Running...or not!

Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us,  keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.  Hebrews 12:1-2

Quite a few summers ago,  I decided to do the couch to 5k program.  I thought it would be nice if Sweet Pea and I ran together. It seemed like it would be great bonding time for us.  And it was....when we were walking.   The running part is not easy. But by the 3rd week her little legs grew tired during the runs.  They weren't long time wise, but they were a lot for her.

During one particular run, we were jogging a long and the next thing I know Sweet Pea is sprawled on the ground. See, we live across the street from a church parking lot and that makes a easy if not monotonous track.  Right in the middle of that track is a median of sorts...an island if you will with a couple of trees and a sitting area.  It is surrounded by a 6 inch concrete curb.  Sweet Pea had tripped on the curb.  As I sat with her and her skinned knees and little tears running down her face.   I asked, "What happened?"    I just closed my eyes was her reply.  She just closed her eyes.  And, when she did she missed the danger that she knew was there.

See the preacher of Hebrews tells us we are running a race...and a long race.  While we are running there are things in our path that are put there to entangle and ensnare us.  Weights and Sin.  The weights are not necessarily bad things, but they are things that distract us and just slow us down.  The sin is well sin, and any sin will cause delay in the race.  These weights and sins tempt us, and next thing we know, we are flat on our face injured and crying.  Sometimes these traps are sneaky.  They blindside us.  Other times we know they are there and just look away for a moment.

So what happens when we do find ourselves flat on our face.....LOOK UP! Jesus will be right there where we left him waiting to help us along.  He will wipe our tears, bandage our wounds and restore our relationship...so we can run again.

So,  keep your eyes on Jesus.   He is the author and the perfecter of our faith.   He started the work in us and he will be faithful to complete it.   No matter what trips us up only the way!