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. - Hebrews 12:1
The Olympic Games of 1968 produced many exceptional performances and world records but by far the most remarkable performance belonged to John Stephen Akhwari, the marathon runner from Tanzania.
More than an hour after the champion for his race had been crowned, Akhwari, bloodied and bandaged, limped into the practically empty stadium.
He moved slowly around the track toward the finish. He crossed the line with a weak smile and satisfied look on his face.
Why had he taken so long to finish the race? He had fallen earlier in the race and hurt himself and got left by everybody but he persisted in finishing the race.
Later journalists interviewed him and asked the question on everybody's mind, "Why didn't you quit? There was no chance for you and you could have injured yourself permanently."
In halting English, Akhwari made the statement that personifies the attitude of real winners. "My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race," he said. "My country sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race."
As Christians, we do not run for an earthly country but for the Kingdom of our God and His Christ. Our race must not only be started but it must be run with conviction till the end.
All the biblical heroes of faith ran this race to end and their stories encourage us to run till we finish the race. No matter the trial you may face, don't ever give up. Hold on to the end and you will receive the crown of life.
Prayer: Ask the Lord to strengthen you to endure to the end.
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:1-11
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