Run Your Race with Perseverance

By Pastora Monique Lopez Ong

You think that the starting line in your race began when you were born when in fact, the race began when you accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. If you do not know Him yet, you are still not running the right race set out for you. You might just be running in circles. You might even be lost. You cannot play games anymore. You only have one life and many have done things they are not supposed to do. You can start afresh and start running your race now. There is hope today. The Lord is calling you so you can start running your race and run it well.

Hebrews 12:1-2 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” When you receive Jesus in your life, you have been washed from the inside out. Something is changed. The Lord will not allow you to be the same person. And the people around you, your family, your classmates and officemates, will see the changes in you. Run the race well!

But many still struggle in their sin. Many are still scared. They still worry. They are discouraged even if they are already following the Lord. There is still unforgiveness and bitterness. These things hold you back from running your race well. Stop partnering with the enemy.

The word “perseverance” means to be steadfast and unmovable. The race of life is not a marathon. It’s a sprint. Perseverance means you stay focused, keep going even when it’s hard, grow stronger even when there are many trials, and trusting the process so you can stay faithful.

Perseverance means showing up even when you don’t feel like it. Showing up is not about your feelings. It’s about your commitment. Keep running even when it’s hard. Just show up. You will find Him when you seek and search for Him with all of your heart. When you feel dry and cannot understand God’s word when you read it, read all the more until He speaks to you. Showing up when you don’t feel like it is perseverance.

Perseverance is choosing holiness over convenience. Choose holiness always. Do not sell the promises of the Lord over cheap things. Remain pure by being honest. You are set apart by the Lord. Run with integrity.

Perseverance is loving your family consistently. Forgive them all the time. Be patient with your children and even your parents. Stay faithful to your spouse.

Perseverance is being faithful at work even when no one sees. The Lord sees everything that you do. Your real boss is not the person seated at the big office corner. Your real boss is the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as for the Lord and not for human masters. Be dependable.

Perseverance is staying faithful in school. Do your best even when your group mates are not. Do it for the King, not for the applause of man.

Perseverance is serving God even when no one applauds or acknowledges you. Serve even when you’re criticized or corrected. When you’re in church, you will be tested to love difficult people because you are also difficult. It is only by the grace of God that you are here. Join a small group so you can grow. Your faithfulness has eternal impact.

Perseverance is trusting God even in suffering. Consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds. Just because you follow Jesus doesn’t mean you will not go through trials in life. God cannot heal what you hide so He will expose it. You cannot fix your life alone. Keep running with the Lord.

Perseverance is forgiving again and again and again. Unforgiveness is such a big trap. If you want to move forward, God is telling you to refuse bitterness, release the hurt, choose grace and run with a clean heart. Forgive.

Perseverance is staying focused in a distracted generation. The world is too noisy. There are so many distractions, especially that tiny gadget in your hand. Set healthy boundaries. Limit your online time. Guard your mind and heart. Keep your eyes on Jesus.

Perseverance is growing slowly and not quitting. The Lord is training the small, daily obedience in you. The only way you can be aligned with Him is to obey. The goal is to be more and more like Jesus. It is not about how fast you get to the finish line. Do not be in a hurry. He has good plans for you.

The race is meant to be run with the Lord. If you are running alone, you might not finish it. The one who began the race already ended it. How does fixing your eyes on Jesus look like? It begins by starting your day with Him and ending it with Him too. Seek His kingdom first and everything will be added to you. Pray continually. Those who do not pray are powerless. Acknowledge that the Lord is there with you everyday. Fill your mind with His word. Let the scripture shape your thoughts. Worship Him daily. Play worship songs and be grateful for all He has done in your life. Keep the cross and the resurrection at the center of your heart. Do not forget what He has done for you. Walk with godly people and join a small group. Ion sharpens iron. Lastly, do not look at the world. Set your mind on things above.

Fix your eyes on Jesus.

Follow His example.

Finish well with Jesus.