Run

This scene is one of my favorites from the movie Facing the Giants. To me it shows the true meaning of perseverance. I used to do gymnastics, and I can remember days when I just wanted to quit. My muscles were so tired and ached so much. There would be half an hour left, and I would just feel like I wasn't going to make it. This semester has even required perseverance. Doing calculus homework for 4 hours until midnight is not exactly my cup of tea. But if there's one thing I've learned, it's that perseverance builds character. Being a follower of Christ calls for perseverance. Here's what the bible says:

"Don’t you realize that everyone who runs in a race runs to win, but only one runner gets the prize? Run like them, so that you can win. Everyone who enters an athletic contest goes into strict training. They do it to win a temporary crown, but we do it to win one that will be permanent. So I run—but not without a clear goal ahead of me. So I box—but not as if I were just shadow boxing. Rather, I toughen my body with punches and make it my slave so that I will not be disqualified after I have spread the Good News to others." 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (GW)

Sidebar: Probably one of the most quoted passages in all of Scripture. When I came across it and God pressed it on my heart I was like, "Really, God? That's so cliché." But maybe you need to hear this, and you'll only hear it from me. I'm not sure what God's plan is but here we go!

Being an athlete requires dedication. Ask people in any sport. Football, gymnastics, soccer, whatever- it all requires dedication. If you're not in it 100%, then you're going to be miserable doing it. The same goes for the Christian life. If you're not 100% following God, then why are you a believer? Why do you go to church and read your Bible? The point of all of that is to draw us closer to the Father's heart. The Christian walk takes dedication. And dedication means perseverance because I can guarantee you it is not going to be easy. Satan is going to knock you down as hard as he can. You're gonna scrape your knee, break your arm, pull a muscle, but it all comes down to perseverance. I love how that translation phrases verse 27: "Rather, I toughen my body with punches and make it my slave so that I will not be disqualified after I have spread the Good News to others." Note the "make it my slave" part. Following God does not come naturally. Let me say that again: following God does not come naturally. We are born into sin and have fleshly desires. We have to say no to those desires and allow the Spirit to reign in us. Jesus said it plainly in Matthew 16:24, "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Those who want to come with me must say no to the things they want, pick up their crosses, and follow me.'"

Run. Don't quit. Don't give in. It's not going to be easy. When things are hard, remember that video. Persevere to the end. Don't let the circumstances now knock you out of the game. God is always with you. Remember, we are partners with Christ. When we are weak, He is strong!