Eyes on the Prize

Lent on the Run — Day 32

Apr 10, 2025

…let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
— Hebrews 12:1b–2

Training cycles can be long.

As a coach, I often recommend at least a 12-week cycle for 10k’s and half marathons (16 if you are able to get that in for a good build) and 16 at minimum to train for a marathon. Over those many weeks and runs, we encounter all kinds of emotions, and it is on many of those days that I remind myself or others to “Keep your eyes on the prize”—the “prize” of course being the completion of the race.

This is meant to be the focus, it is what helps us endure every single workout and run that comes before us, and it is ultimately the thing that even connects us within the race itself to get to the finish.

Perseverance anchors us—body, mind, and soul—especially when the journey gets tough. Perseverance is defined as, “persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.” (New Oxford American Dictionary)

It is that never-give-up attitude, that no matter what the journey throws at you—highs and lows—you remember why you’re doing it. You see the ultimate point, and in our faith, that focus is on Jesus—the OG who showed us how it is done.

We do not go out seeking pain, heartache, or sorrow—just as we don’t go out seeking injury or bad workouts. But having the perseverance of faith helps us to know that just as Christ endured, so too can we. By his example and by God’s presence and grace, we can find healing.

We fix our gaze and keep our eyes on the example of Christ, staying grounded in the promise before us.

Where are you being called to persevere today? What might it look like to fix your gaze on Christ in that space?