1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1 – 2, New International Version)
Theme: The Wisdom of Discipline
Title: Discipline and Determination
Reflection:
The concept of perseverance, or the determination to continue despite challenges, features in our Scripture passage for today. It is a concept I can relate to because over the years I have completed several half marathons. My time to complete the 13.1 miles (21.1 kilometers) ranges between 2 hours 8 minutes and 39 seconds, and 2 hours 43 minutes and 33 seconds, the year I hurt my knee.
The fastest half marathon by a female is 1 hour 2 minutes and 52 seconds, achieved by Letesenbet Gidey in Valencia, Spain in 2021. Letesenbet is an Ethiopian Orthodox Christian. She was once suspended from high school for refusing to participate in physical education classes (she was disinterested because she wanted to become a pilot or a doctor). Her remarkable victory in Valencia was approximately 10 years after that suspension. This remarkable turnaround can be partly attributed to her determination and discipline. Where determination is concerned, Letesenbet was successful despite dealing with a civil war in her home country and significant cultural challenges for women runners in Ethiopia. In terms of discipline, she adhered to a rigorous training program. For example, to prepare for the 13.1-mile race, she would train by running for 18.6 miles (30 kilometers), and as if that wasn’t enough, her training sessions were at high altitudes in Ethiopia.
The time it took me to prepare for my first race was more than a year. While my preparation cannot be compared to Letesenbet’s, I learned how much discipline and determination is required to train for a race of any distance.
On several occasions, the Apostle Paul likens our faith journey to a race. The author of Hebrews does the same in our Scripture passage. As I think about the discipline and determination required to run a good race, I see some parallels to the requirements to run the Christian race:
- Diet: The Word
- Weight training: Withstanding temptations
- Rest days: Worship
- Runs: Day-to-day life
Conclusion:
I encourage you to actively train with discipline and determination for your spiritual race. You already have the training plan in the Word of God. I would love hear your thoughts.
Contributor: Bridget Jeffries
March 10, 2025 at 1:44 am
I like the four requirements for Christian race presented above . Since I go to gym everyday, I really feel that those 4 requirements are very good for me. Not only would I stay physically fit but also spiritually fit. The training plan, the Word of God is an excellent guide to have a balanced life. The rest day, worship is so important , without it, it would feel like there’s no end in your week. It’s encouraging to know that, in your training you rest with the Lord by worshiping Him on Sunday. It gives us renewed energy to start the week again with great enthusiasm and zest for life, because we know who is leading us in our journey on earth. The assurance to win the race is always there. That’s the HOPE we have in Jesus as we continue the race and live for Him.
March 10, 2025 at 8:10 am
Training plans can be daunting. Some map out a 12 or 20 week journey for a novice runner to run their first half.
The Bible is a detailed training plan and I’m thankful our Savior and King consolidated it in John 13 by simply saying “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Train on brothers and sisters in Christ.
March 10, 2025 at 2:05 pm
Love the 4-point analogy Bridget, thank you
Diet: The Word
Weight training: Withstanding temptations
Rest days: Worship
Runs: Day-to-day life
March 11, 2025 at 1:10 am
Hey. These 4 points are easy to understand and apply. Regarding the “Weight training”. I sometimes feel like I am doing some of my weight training during my day-to-day preparatory responsibilities.
It’s so important to see how valuable “Rest” is if we are to have the strength to “run”.
March 12, 2025 at 9:57 pm
I think that the use of the four points was a great way to capture the parallel between the requirements of running a race and the requirements of running the spiritual race!
I also think that it’s awesome that as a training plan, the bible is a resource of wisdom, instruction and encouragement.