Endurance on the Long Run
Lent on the Run — Day 4: The journey of faith requires persistence and perseverance.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,” — Hebrew 12:1
Perseverance
Defined as “persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.” — Apple Dictionary ( did I do this definition piece right? haha)
Just as perseverance does in that verse, in the definition, the word persistence stands out to me. When I consider the writer of Hebrews and their proclamation—not just in this verse but throughout chapters 11 and 12—persistence is crucial (seriously go read it). Or, in the language of running, endurance.
Now, what separates distance runners from sprinters?
Endurance.
—Just to be clear this is not a knock on sprinters. They have an awesome skillset!
Distance runners develop the ability to hold a pace over long periods. They train for it, replicating the effort in workouts. A marathoner will spend 90% or more of their race at an aerobic level, where the body efficiently uses oxygen to sustain effort for 26.2 miles.
Sprinters, however, operate more in an anaerobic zone, relying on oxygen debt rather than sustained effort. Even distance runners must train for those moments when they shift into anaerobic intensity. Yes different toolsets, and the play different roles.
Faith is not a sprint. There are times when we must go extra hard to hit a finish line or do something. But faith is an endurance event.
We are in this for the long haul.
To sustain our journey, we must develop the spiritual tools of endurance. We let go of what weighs us down, find a steady rhythm, and cultivate practices that keep us moving forward.
Just as runners train for endurance, our faith is strengthened by consistent practice. Prayer, Scripture, community, and acts of service become the steady rhythms that sustain us.
What spiritual disciplines are strengthening your endurance in faith today?
Lent Photo-A-Day
For the Whole Series
Don’t forget their will be no devotion on Sunday, keep tuned in for the series to continue on Monday.
