RUNNING COMMENTARY
Today’s reading: Hebrews 11-13

I’ve always claimed Hebrews 11-13 as some of my favorite scripture in the entire Book. Here lately, well, it’s become even closer to my heart, more dear to my spirit, more applicable to life.

Few of you know a little secret I’ve been keeping for the past twelve weeks. I, and my chunky legs, have taken up jogging and have registered to run in my first 5K run this coming weekend.

I’m taking personally the encouragement I find in chapter eleven:

"All of these people we have mentioned received God’s approval because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had far better things in mind for us that would also benefit them, for they can’t receive the prize at the end of the race until we finish the race." Hebrews 11:39 NLT

You see, I’m not sure I’ll finish my first 5K. I’ve done trial runs. I’ve jogged the required 3.1 miles. I’ve worked hard and I’ve sweated buckets. If I finish, I’ll celebrate. If something else
occurs, I’ll trust it to Him. My faith is in God, not in my legs, my sneakers or my abilities.

I’ve wrapped myself in the comfort of the words starting chapter twelve:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us." Hebrews 12:1 NLT

My life has been adorned with men and women strong in the faith. I’ve been physically and mentally, emotionally and spiritually touched by godly parents, grandparents and loved ones. I’ve watched as life doled out hardships, disease and heartache, but my God-fearing ’witnesses’ have shown me how to continue, persevere and cross the finish line. I've seen them deal with things tougher and more life-altering than a sweaty jog. I've caught glimpses of them trusting God for more than the energy to go a few more steps. I've had endurance of faith modeled to me in extraordinary ways--how can I not continue with them cheering me on!

I’ve screamed and yelled the words of Hebrews 12:11, my life verse. You see the track is long. The pavement is hard. The monotony is dreary. The sweat is unlovely. The muscle aches are uncomfortable. I’ve re-claimed my life verse as a running mantra:

"No discipline is pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on however, you will reap a harvest of righteousness and peace if you are trained by it." Hebrews 12:11 NKJV

I’m not sure if you’ll ever lace up running shoes. I don’t know if I’ll see you around the track. I’ve no clue where this current ’fitness project’ will take me. I do know this: Faith is important. Faith in God is vital.

That, dear friends, is my running commentary!