READ: ISAIAH 40:28-31; 1 CORINTHIANS 9:23-27; HEBREWS 12:1-3

What’s the number one thing you need to win a race? Speed, right? It seems obvious. So why isn’t that what Hebrews 12:1 says? In this passage, the author of Hebrews is encouraging the audience to run the race of faith, but the verse doesn’t say, “run with speed.” It says, “run with endurance.”

This caught my attention. Honestly, I’d rather run a race with speed. I would like to be done running as quickly as possible and make it to the good part— the finish line! That’s the whole point of a race, right?

Apparently, that’s not how God sees it. He’s not interested in making us rush to the finish line as quickly as possible. No, His way is a lot less glamorous. God doesn’t call us to effortlessly grow in our faith by sudden leaps and bounds, accomplishing amazing things for His kingdom constantly—without any mess or stress or trouble. Rather, He calls us to endure. Day in, day out, faithfully following Him one step at a time. And while this will certainly include incredible growth and amazing accomplishments, these moments may be fewer and farther between than we might like. But that doesn’t mean we’re doing it wrong.

Endurance may be messy and boring and mundane, but any athlete will tell you that it’s the most important part. Skills and speed are useless if we don’t have the endurance to use them.

So, how do we run the race with endurance? By daily relying on Jesus, who ran the race perfectly before us, and who empowers us to keep running even when our own energy is totally spent. His love spurs us onward as we rely on His strength. Hebrews 12:2 says He “endured the cross, disregarding its shame.” Why? “Because of the joy awaiting him.” On the other side of endurance, there is everlasting joy. The joy of knowing and being known by Jesus, and seeing others know Him too. Friend, there is no sweeter joy than that. • Taylor Eising

• Running the race of faith includes things like resisting sin, growing in our knowledge of God through His Word and prayer, engaging in a church community, serving others, and helping people know Jesus. All of these things take endurance. We will hit bumps along the road, get exhausted, and be tempted to give up. In these moments, Jesus is right there with us, offering His strength, comfort, and rest. Which Bible passages can remind you of this truth? Who is a trusted Christian you could talk to during these times, such as a parent, pastor, youth leader, or friend?

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)