Don't Quit!

by Macy Johnson

“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.”

(Hebrews 12:1 NIV)

 

My husband, Jeff, enjoyed running road races. When we lived in Pensacola he ran almost every weekend in a 5K, 10K, or Half-Marathon race. Sometimes I would race-walk the race with him. Our children often joined in the fun, too.

 

He tells the story of running the Beirut Relief 10K Run. The race was created in May 1984 in response to the tragic 1983 Beirut barracks bombing. Jeff said he was feeling pretty good about his position in the race, until an entire squadron passed him and gobbled up thirty place slots in a matter of seconds. He wanted to quit, but continued on to witness the squadron empty their stomachs at the finish line.

 

Pastor Bob told our congregation the story of when he ran his first marathon. He wanted to quit at the 16-mile mark. Then a runner older than he was sidled up beside him and asked, “Wanna quit?” Bob responded, “Yes!” And the man said, “Don’t! You’re almost there!” Bob finished the race in less time than he trained for.

 

Jesus left His home in heaven to run His race.

 

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus,

the author and perfecter of our faith,

who for the joy set before him 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 sinful men,

so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

(Hebrews 12:2-3 NIV)

 

I will not quit. I will finish the race laid out for me. I hope you will, too!