Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:1-2

 

My husband James and I are proud parents to four athletic and competitive young men, and I will never forget how the Lord illustrated this Scripture so vividly to my heart.

At the time our oldest—who is now a young adult—was preparing for the annual Jog-a-Thon at his elementary school. These were a big deal in our home. In the weeks leading up to this event, Kenneth trained with his father, jogging anywhere they could, eating right, and getting proper running tips from his father to use during the race.

On the night before the big event, Kenneth made sure he was properly nourished with a large bowl of pasta. His clothes were laid out, running shoes ready. The excitement was high, almost more than he could handle—but he was equipped and ready to run his best race, hoping for a first-place medal. For Kenneth, the race couldn’t come soon enough!

 

Next morning, Kenneth was eager to get to the start line. Anxious parents surrounded the track, holding up encouraging signs, ringing bells and cheering. It would’ve been easy for my son to get lost in the crowd, but James made sure Kenneth knew exactly where he would be standing. “Son, I am your reference point,” he told him. “If you need a drink of water, I’ll have it ready for you. I am right here.”

No sooner were those words uttered when the shot goes off and the race begins! Some are sprinting with everything they have. A few are walking, more interested in looking around than running. Kenneth breaks out in a steady pace, staring straight ahead, eyes on the prize. So far, so good!

Midway through, the sprinters are slowing down…some are sidelined, bent over and clutching their sides in fatigue. Kenneth is beet red, sweat dripping, still giving it all he has. As the runners thin out and the track begins to clear, I see Kenneth’s face. He’s looking frantically for his dad. He’s in pain, fighting mental and physical fatigue. As those around him go by the wayside his pace slows a bit, tempted to tap out.

 

Just then, I hear my James say, “It’s time!” He makes himself visible to Kenneth by standing head and shoulders above the crowd and yelling at the top of his lungs, “KENNETH BAILEY, YOU ARE MY SON, KEEP RUNNING!” James begins sprinting on the outside of the track yelling, “Keep your eyes on me! Keep running!”

Hearing his father’s voice, Kenneth locks in his gaze, no longer focused on anything other than his father. Kenneth sees him and knows he’s not running alone. His father is there—he always has been.

Perfect encouragement with the most perfect timing to give my son just what he needed. In that moment, nothing else mattered. The noise drowned out, the side ache and fatigue no longer a factor, and Kenneth finished the race strong!

A kiss from the Lord

Kenneth came home with a medal that day and I came home with a kiss from the Lord.

Our heavenly Father spoke to my heart in the most tangible way. He knew that I needed this encouragement for my spiritual race as much as Kenneth needed it for his jog-a-thon.

Sisters, our race can be difficult and even feel disheartening at times. When we feel weak it’s easy to focus on the obstacles that tempt us to give up and give in to the aches, the painful exhaustion, and say I can’t do this anymore.

But God

Listen to your Father. God tells us in His Word, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

We are being refined. We are being stretched. We are being shaped more into the image of Christ. The beauty in all of this is that we don’t run this race alone! Our Father never takes His loving eye off of you. He will instruct you in the way you should go (Psalm 32:8). He will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

Just as Kenneth focused on his father when he was about to give in to defeat, we too must look at our Heavenly Father who stands beside you and goes before you. You do not run this race unequipped or alone.

You are His daughter. Keep running!