Guest Blogger: Looking to Him and Finished Strong

As we approached the final stretch of the fast, I could not help but think of the story of ancient Olympic marathon runners…

The original story behind the modern day Olympics comes from the ancient battle between the Greeks and the Persians. The battle took place at a Greek city called Marathon. The Greeks who were easily out numbered, won a seemingly impossible victory. From there, one solider ran from the battlefield to the city of Athens, approximately 26 miles, to announce the good news. Upon entering the city it is written that he uttered the words, “Rejoice! We conquer!” After uttering these words of victory the messenger collapsed of exhaustion and died. Out of this the marathon contest was birthed.

During the ancient Olympic games, competitors were granted the assistance of one person who could help them at their most desperate time of need. Each competitor was allowed to select a person and position them at the finish line of the race. As the runners turned the final corner and saw the finish line in site, their loved one was standing there waving them on. Imagine running a grueling race and looking to see your loved one cheering you on towards victory.

The race of life can be very tough sometimes even for those walking in Christ. In face, the Greek word for race is “agona” where we get the English word for “agony”. Many times the circumstances of life seem too much. Death, illness, stress, and a host of other problems often cause us to take our gaze off of Jesus, but Paul encourages us strongly in Hebrews 12:1-3,

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Here on the final stretch of the fast look to Him. As you turn the corner of this seemingly eternal three weeks, look to Him who stands at the finish line urging you on. The things you have been praying and believing for during this fast are found only in him, so look to Him. Maybe your problems are much greater than simply enduring in the fast. Look to Him, cast aside your doubt and fear and fix your eyes on Jesus. With our eyes fixed firmly on Him, we will run this race and not grow weary.

Pastor Jeremy DeBord