“…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.” – Hebrew 12:1-3
Running a marathon is no easy task. It is a grueling physical and mental challenge. There is a tremendous pride to be found in those who complete the 26.2 miles challenge. When Jessica Robertson set out to run her first marathon at the age of 30, she knew it would not be accomplished without struggle.
Jessica Robertson entered the Pittsburg Marathon. When the race began, Jessica ran with all her might. The other runners quickly moved out in front of Jessica and before long she found herself last in the large pack of the runners. Although she was well on her way to completing the marathon, being last was not her desire.
It was not long into the run when Jessica began feeling the pressure of the race. She was feeling defeated. That was when she realized that she was not alone, after all. Laura Mazur had been just ahead of Jessica Robertson. Laura Mazur was worried she was last in the race. When she turned around to see Jessica, she realized that the two were better together than as adversaries. Mazur approached Robertson and said, “I will stay with you, if you will stay with me.”
For the next several miles, the two runners encouraged each other. They pushed each other as they took one step after another. As they ran, the crowds cheered them on. Nearing the finish line, the two new acquaintances joined hands and made a dash for the end. They finished the race, an accomplishment that may not have happened were it not for the support of one another.
Our adventure of life is one that is filled with challenges. Each day brings us physical and mental struggles. Alone, we often find ourselves at the back of the pack, wondering if we will finish the race. Our time in prayer reminds us that we are not alone. We live in God’s world. Prayer connects us to God, who gives us strength to run our race. Prayer opens our hearts to God who gives us grace to push to the finish line. The race in front of us today will be challenging; let us first look to God, so that we “will not grow weary and lose heart.”
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
