The race was marked out. The middle school girls were on the line waiting for the gun to signal the start. And off they went! My daughter was in the pack and quickly worked her way up to the front. As the 1.5-mile cross country race continued, she managed to keep the lead and fend off nearby competitors. Coming around the last bend, she was exhausted but determined and could taste a sweet victory in sight. But then she veered off course slightly, and it was just enough for the girl riding her heels to win the race.

She was so disappointed, and I didn’t blame her. But these are the moments as Christians that are so beautiful in analogy to a favorite Bible passage: “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1,2). It’s not always easy to do, is it? The world throws distractions in our faces at every turn, and Satan causes us to doubt. This race that we call the Christian life is a marathon though, not a 1.5-mile race. And despite the trials and troubles and times we veer off course, Jesus is there at the finish line, the victor of our race, arms stretched open and awaiting us. Stay the course, dear brothers and sisters in faith, with Jesus’ help.

A much sweeter award awaits you than the one that alluded my daughter! And it’s yours for all eternity.