I recently read an article that said that older people (and I’m referring to retirees and senior citizens) are happier than younger people (school-going, working, child-rearing, and mortgage-paying people). I think the former group has climbed enough hills and mountains in life to say, “Health problems? Sickness? Relational problems? Been there, done that. I’m not afraid. I can handle them.” Plus, knowing that they have limited time left, I think they are more appreciative of people, experiences, environments, situations, and relationships--both the good and the bad.
The rest of us who have our noses to the grindstone--wrestling with an atrocious daily commute, working harder than ever to make a living, shuttling kids from one activity to another, etc.--are hoping to “get there,” a point in life where we can look back and enjoy our accomplishments or fruits of labor.
Life is hard. It is indeed hill after hill and mountain after mountain.
The Bible tells us that life is a journey, a path, a road, a linear progression in time, from birth to death. In Hebrews 12, life is depicted as a race with a starting point and a finish line. The author of Hebrews said, “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." Clearly, our race is not a sprint. Why would Apostle Paul tell us that we need to run with perseverance (defined as “steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success” or “refusing to stop, continuing with determination”) unless it was required?
For those of you who run marathons or long distances, you know you need perseverance because your body wants to quit before you reach the destination. To finish the race, we need perseverance, and that’s why we need to focus our eyes on Jesus who has completed the race Himself. He now stands at the finish line cheering us on to keep running. Notice in verse 2: “For the joy set before him (goal and purpose) he endured the cross, scorning its shame (didn't quit), and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (reached the destination and rewarded for completing the race)” (parentheses mine). We can definitely learn from this verse that the race isn’t going to be easy.
We often waiver in our commitment to complete the race, overwhelmed by fatigue and stress from debilitating pain and disappointments associated with troublesome relationships, career problems, poor finances, deteriorating health, etc. That’s why we need to continually refresh our mind and focus our eyes on Jesus: “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (v.3).”
There will be opposition and hurdles and roadblocks in life. But, when we keep our eyes on Jesus, when we have our minds and hearts set on following Him to the end, we will be strengthened and encouraged to keep running the race. He crossed the finish line, completed the race, and now sits at God’s right hand. Jesus is our model, and He beckons us to keep on running.
But, ah, you and I prefer the easy way, no? I mean, why the hardship? Why can't we have it easier? Hebrews 12:7-11 teaches us that God is in the business of training and disciplining His children. Because He is our Father (v. 7), and since even human fathers discipline and prepare their children, God certainly disciplines us for our good. God, as our Father in Heaven, has more grand goals behind His disciplining and training than biological fathers do. Simply put, He wants us to grow and mature over time, and enjoy the fruits of discipline and training in all areas of life. You might be having such a hard time that you feel as if you can't make it to the finish line. You’re not even thinking about finishing the race because you can't take another step. Feeling debilitated, injured, and fatigued, you want to quit the race and just plop down right where you are. Scripture tells us, however, to not give up.
“Strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees" and “Make level paths for your feet,” so that "the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed (v.12, 13).” Yes, be healed, strengthen your arms and knees, and keep going, keep moving forward, keep striving toward the goal.
Life is hard. Get used to it.
Remember that Jesus already ran the race, and now He beckons us to follow in His footsteps. Through His example of running the race, enduring hardship, completing the race, and receiving the crown, Jesus says to you and me, “You can do it. I’m cheering for you. Move forward one step at a time. Whenever you want to quit, think of Me. When you want to give up, keep your eyes on Me. You’ll make it to the finish line, I promise." With Jesus on your side as your coach and encourager, and with fellow runners running the race with you, you’re going to make it. Just keep on moving one step at a time, one day at a time. After climbing hill after hill and mountain after mountain, you’ll be able to look back and enjoy the vista. And, what a view that will be! Visualize that and keep moving forward today.
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