revlanc@bellsouth.net

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith

Hebrews 12:1-2 

Recently I set out on an important mission. Though I have only one working hand and one working foot, I decided to take a walk. I had crutches to help me along my way, in addition to sheer determination and plenty of years of practice. 

At one time, I was a power walker and walked no less than five miles a day. I worked constantly at improving my form and time as well as building up my strength. The longer I walked the more natural it became for me to anticipate the uphill climbs, or the descending slopes. I could almost do the walk with my eyes closed. The reason why is because I became very familiar with my “track.” 

Professional and non-professional runners do something very important long before their race ever begins. They go to the track and run a few laps to get the feel of things. They want to know what they are getting into, and they want to make adjustments so that they can do their very best running and aim for the prize. They know their race long before they ever officially run it. 

The knowledge they gain from getting a feel for the track they will run on causes them to make a plan. They must determine at what speeds they will run the different parts of the track. This is something known as “pacing.” Every runner who hopes to finish the race must set a reasonable pace, or they will fail to make their goal. They will wear out long before they ever make it to the finish line because they will use up all their energy early in the competition. 

When I first started walking sometimes I had to stop and rest, which wasted valuable time. Soon I learned where I could coast and where I had to really dig in. Approaching this walk, I knew that it was time to set a new pace. My old pace was too fast for my current race. I am happy to say that I walked further than I planned and was able to finish the course. That was only possible because I knew my race and set my pace accordingly. 

Hebrews 12 portrays the life of a Christian as a race. Salvation is the beginning and redemption is the end. The writer points out several things that are necessary to run a good race. One of those things is “running with endurance the race set before you,” which can be likened to pacing yourself for your race.  

Too often we find ourselves trying to run in the wrong place. We are not familiar with the terrain, which consists of hills and valleys, and possibly even mountains. We start off strong but fall flat on our face all because we are trying to run someone else’s race. Or we know our race, having studied out the track thoroughly, but we insist on keeping up with the pack until we are so worn out that we drop from exhaustion. Some new Christians do this and the sad thing is they never get up. Winning is very important, but having the attitude of a winner is the key. We already know that not everyone can come in first place, but if we give our best effort than we are a winner either way. 

The key is finishing the race. Finishing the race will involve setting the proper pace. Pace is an individual thing and something that each of us must establish in our lives. At times, we will need to make adjustments depending on the circumstances of life. We do not have to run at the same speed as everyone else. With the help of God’s Word and His Spirit, we can find the perfect pace for our lives. When we do that, we are sure to finish the race without suffering injury along the way. 

At what pace are you living life? Are you on the right track? Will you finish the course running with a spirit of excellence all the way? You can do it if you “know your race and set your pace.” 

Today as we approach life, we have an audience looking down upon us. They set their pace, finished their race and have gone on to a far better place. They are champions of the Cross and a source of great inspiration. May each of us run the race of life as a champion looking to our coach Jesus Christ until we cross the finish line!

Copyright 2004 by Melinda Lancaster