I enjoy running to keep fit, but when I was younger I avoided running distances if there was any possible way. I found that when I ran any more than a mile or so, I could not catch my breath, and I was miserable.

About 10 years ago I used a heart monitor that allowed me to see my heart rate while running. Using the target heart rate “rule of thumb” (220-age)*(60% to 80%) I realized that all that time in the past, I was running at a pace much higher than the heart rate formula recommended. This is why running had been so miserable for me. Once I started running a pace that fit the heart rate formula, I felt that I could run and run without wearing out. The more regularly I ran, better my endurance became.

In Hebrews 12:1, which we have studied the last couple days Paul writes about running, “.. 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.”

Running with endurance means consistently maintaining our faith for the long term, not getting sidetracked or living it on and off. Additionally, like running the more consistently we work on it, by prayer, praise, and study the better our endurance becomes.

Dear Lord, Thank you for giving us the strength to run the race you outline for us. Help us run the race with consistency and endurance. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.