Never Lose Heart

Run Well

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. 

Hebrews 12:1-2 

The Christian life is not a sprint but a long, demanding race that requires perseverance, discipline, and the willingness to lay aside anything that threatens our closeness with God. Hebrews 12 calls us to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” so we can run with endurance the race that God Himself has marked out for us. We stumble when we fix our gaze on ourselves, our fears, or our circumstances rather than on Christ. To live effectively, we must continually “fix our eyes on Jesus,” letting His example guide and steady every step. As Olympian Eric Liddell once said, “When I run, I feel His pleasure.” Running in God’s will—whether through joyful seasons or difficult ones—brings strength, purpose, and deep assurance.

We are not running alone. Scripture tells us we are surrounded by “a great cloud of witnesses”—saints of Scripture, believers through history, and faithful companions today who encourage us with their example. Their lives remind us that hardship and suffering are not signs of God’s absence but part of His training ground for maturity. “Suffering is the training ground for Christian character,” and it strengthens our spiritual muscle. In discouraging moments, Hebrews urges us: Consider Him. Think deeply about Jesus’ endurance, His cross, His courage, and His joy. Eric Liddell captured this perspective beautifully when he said, “It has been a wonderful experience to compete in the Olympic Games and to bring home a gold medal. But since I have been a young lad, I have had my eyes on a different prize… each one of us is in a greater race… and this race ends when God gives out the medals.”

Every mile—easy or difficult—is used by God to shape us, deepen our faith, and draw us closer to Himself. Strength to run does not come from human willpower but from the Holy Spirit, who renews those who hope in the Lord so “they will run and not grow weary” (Isaiah 40:31). God also places people along our path—friends, mentors, and fellow believers—to encourage and uphold us. And even when trials seem to derail our lives, Liddell reminds us, “Circumstances may appear to wreck our lives and God’s plans, but God is not helpless among the ruins.” So take courage today: your race is not random, your hardship is not wasted, and your steps are not unseen. Fix your eyes on Jesus—your companion, your coach, your crown—and keep running the race marked out for you.

Lord Jesus, help us to run the race You have marked out for us. Strengthen us to throw off everything that hinders, keep our eyes fixed on You, and endure every trial with faith. Surround us with Your grace, renew our hope, and guide our steps until we finish well, running for Your pleasure and Your glory. Amen.