God Winks - Finishing

I have a friend who’s goal is to run a marathon in every state in the union.  She just finished #32 last week – I think in Vermont.  I didn’t even know Vermont was long enough to even hold a marathon. She really is an inspiration.  Amy had struggled with her weight for a while, until she made the decision to start running.  That was years ago, but she has stayed with it.  In fact every year on her birthday, she runs that # of miles, & I don’t want to age her but she’s almost at a double marathon. 

That reminds me so much of Jesus. I’ve been reading in Hebrews, & in chapter 12 we’re encouraged to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, perfecter, & finisher of our faith. & then it says this:

»   Who for the joy set before him endured the cross – scorning it’s shame ..

I’d imagine there are points when you’re running, you feel like the course is mocking you. Life can feel that way sometimes. The cross was there not just to kill, but to mock you as it did.  You carried it all the way to the final place .. while people laughed & spit @ you.  Even that didn’t stop Jesus. He knew it was gonna happen – but he also knew what lay on the other side. This is why it says in Hebrews 12:3 to consider what Jesus endured, `cuz we haven’t endured anything like that, so we don’t have to lose heart. 

Finish strong today, my friend.