Overcoming Obstacles

Hebrews 12:1

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,

let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…

I ran track in high school and I have to confess I hated it. Track season started outdoors in late winter when Chicago was blustery. I could not take the focus off how cold I was long enough to train properly. One thing that particularly distracted me was the cold air blowing in my ears. I knew there was an invention called "the hat" but I was fifteen years old and winter hats were not cool.

Now, over twenty years later, I run with the wisdom that comes from age and the common sense of being an adult. I sometimes regret that I gave up so easily as a teen and focused on the negative instead of fighting my obstacles and living up to my potential. Instead I was a very average runner and by the end of my first season had earned an "I Hate To Run" award from my coach.

The high school track was not the only place, though, that a willingness to give up caused me to miss opportunities. When I look at my life, I see situations where fear, anger, bitterness, or other sins got in my way of doing the right thing. The author of Hebrews speaks of this in chapter 12. The original text says that sin deftly and cleverly clings to and entangles us. Satan cleverly twists small things to appear insurmountable. I am deceived into thinking that my problems are bigger than God can help me handle.

The reformer Martin Luther commented on this verse, saying that we should "manfully" struggle against the obstacles in our lives that seek to bring us down. This applies to all of us, both men and women, for the dictionary defines manfully as “having or showing boldness, courage, or strength.” We are not to cower or submit in the face of obstacles but to show bravery and confidence when they confront us. Basically, both men and women, we need to Man Up!

When I was in track, I could apologize to my coach and teammates for giving in, but I couldn't stop there. I had to change my ways. Similarly, when we confess our sins and weaknesses before God, He graciously forgives them, but calls us to turn away from them, to repent and fervently fight off that which cleverly seeks to cling to us. Only then can we "run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence,” both on the track and off. Let's go to Him now for that power.

Heavenly Father, we are not alone in our fight. You are always with us, and we thank You for that. Through Your Holy Spirit, encourage us to fight that which is in our way. Help us to not just submit when we feel weak but to know that You are all sufficient as a power within us. Through Your provision, let us run with joy, focusing on finishing strong. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.

Reflecting God's Love

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8a

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Running has the power to reveal who we are. I’m not just talking about who is the fastest or who can endure the longest distance. I’m talking about what is in our hearts – maybe some things we didn’t realize were in there, or things that we hope will remain hidden. When we run, we often discover weaknesses we wouldn’t otherwise be aware of: doubts, fears, bad attitudes, vanity, jealousy, pride, bitterness. Running strips away all excuses and false fronts we have built up. While we are running, we cannot trick ourselves or others into thinking we are different than we are.

So if running is going to expose our characteristics to the world, what do we hope will be seen? The words of 1 Corinthians 13 describe the ultimate goal. Try replacing the word “love” with your first name to see how you measure up. Can you get past the first quality? Karen is patient… Running or not, I cannot say this word describes me. Maybe sometimes. Certainly not often or always. Karen is kind… All the time? To all people, regardless of whether or not they deserve my kindness? Not a chance. By the time I get to the end of the list, I am pretty depressed. I have to admit that the only thing I do perfectly is fail at measuring up.

So did God just give us this list so that we can feel bad about ourselves? No, this list is given to us as a life-changing promise; it reveals the way in which you and I are loved by God.

Though we pick and choose the times we are patient, or run into situations where we believe we cannot be patient, God is perfectly patient. When our kindness runs out, God’s does not. Where we have a mental list of the things people have done unjustly to us, God keeps no record of wrongs. God’s love always protects; it never fails, never ends, and never becomes obsolete. You and I are loved with everlasting love. We are His, and He is ours.

When this kind of love takes up residency in our hearts, it is life-changing. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live according to these words. God can and will miraculously gift us with these qualities. And then our lives, whether we are out running or not, will begin to reflect and reveal something else: not the sinful shortcomings that we wish to hide, but God’s love poured out for all. It wells up inside of us and flows to others, through His power. Let’s go to Him now for that great gift.

Lord God, I don’t have the power to love apart from You. But through Your son Jesus, You have revealed perfect love and give it freely to us to share with others. Thank You for graciously giving loving me. Let your love change my life and let others see your love in all of my words and actions. In Jesus’ loving name I pray, AMEN.