Run with Endurance

Nov 2nd, 2023 — The Gospel was presented to me. My heart was softened through the tirelessness of addiction (Psalm 34:18). I recognized my brokenness and was desperate to put my hope in something outside myself. God gave me a rock to stand on that day, and I received Jesus as my Savior.

Nov 2nd, 2024 — I was baptized. The Lord put it on my heart to publicly witness my commitment to Him (Romans 6:4).

Nov 2nd, 2025 — I ran a marathon. God's call for me this year was to participate in a fraction of what He suffered on the Cross (Luke 9:23). Mannn, was He not lying! The furthest I had gone before Sunday was a half marathon. But as I was praying into it, I I knew that He got would bless my effort. I was sure God would illuminate the Cross for me. Because I committed my plans to the Lord, my actions would succeed (Proverbs 16:3).

Miles 1–18, I was buzzing — felt great, hyping up the crowd, dancing and stuff (Isaiah 40:31). Around mile 20, my strength was depleted. I wasn’t even running anymore, just kind of shuffling along. Overcome with anxiety and dread, I kept looking over my shoulder as if I were being chased by something faster than me. It was brutal.

Where my strength stopped, though, God was just getting started (Zechariah 4:6). Mile 23 — the Lord blessed me. In an instant, I was revitalized. No longer was I running from my own power; His power was surging through me. My gait opened up. I was striding faster than my tired legs could understand. Power surged through my body as I ran to finish. Nearing the mark, I was sprinting (Hebrews 12:1–2).

As I turned the last corner, the overhang of the finish line loomed far above my head. But the dread from a few miles back had long been extinguished — replaced with a sense of supernatural confidence. After 26.2 miles, I jumped, fully expecting to smack the top (2 Timothy 4:7).

You do not run this race alone. The Lord is with you in the blessing and the brokenness. The moments when your strength fails are where His presence becomes most vivid. The same God who called you to the starting line will go with you every mile (Deuteronomy 31:6).

He delights to see you run. Faith isn’t about never growing weary — it’s about relying on your Sustainer. When all other alternatives sound more comfortable, will you find refuge in God?

Even when the miles blur and your strength fades, Jesus will guide you to the finish — and welcome you home.

• "The Lord is near to he brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in Spirit."

  • Psalm 34:18

• “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead... we too may live a new life.”

  • Romans 6:4

• “And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’”

  • Luke 9:23

• "Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed."

  • Proverbs 16:3

• "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, "soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint"

  • Isaiah 40:31

• “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” 

  • Zechariah 4:6

• “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”

  • Hebrews 12:1–2

• “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

  • 2 Timothy 4:7

• "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

  • Deuteronomy 31:6