In it to Win it

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV. Last Saturday, my karate studio had our bi-monthly graduation. The message they constantly try to convey is "do your best". In truth, most of our "bests" are not too pretty. The other main message is "never give up". These sayings are actually more significant than you realize. In the Bible, we are called to "run the race set before us." I like this metaphor because even though I'm not into running, I understand when something is physically challenging and I want to give up. It happens in karate all the time. In fact, that's why karate has taken its place beside writing and music as one of my passions. Our instructors work us so hard in warm-ups sometimes, we wonder if we can even make it to where we learn the actual moves. That's actually where much of the value lies- not completely in the cool moves, but in learning to press on.(Did you know God was the first to say "Keep calm and carry on"? Exodus 14:14-15) The analogy of it works like this: Just like a runner, you must try your best to follow the path set for you, and build up the endurance to press on when the difficulties come. You're running a spiritual race, and your eternal fate hangs in the balance. God already knows the outcome, but you don't. You don't know if things will physically end up "okay", and you're terrified of not being "good enough". At that karate graduation, do you think any of those parents thought their own children weren't "good enough"? In the same way, God knows that your best is all you can give, and He has a place prepared for when you finally reach your destination. Keep your eyes trained on Jesus. Run your race with perseverance for Him. In today's modern society, "do your best" and "never give up" have been overused to the point that without something to explain it with, may seem like a waste of breath. But every time you hear it, remember to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus".