A New Year and a continuing race

I have just read a post on (in)courage with their Sunday scripture.

Therefore, since we are surrounded
by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith,
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.
Hebrews 12:1

As I go into this new year with a certain amount of trepidation for all it holds, this verse challenged  me again about this race of life I am running and what my rewards will be. God calls me to run the race faithfully. I do not have to be a world class athlete to complete the race , just run it faithfully until I cross the finish line.  

There is a poster at my gym that says

You have put on your shoes. The hard part is over.

 Isn't that what it's about? Just being here. Doing what needs to be done. Faithfully. Joyfully.Thankfully. Whether you are running on a bright, cloudless day with a cool breeze blowing or through a hot and scorching desert or running into a howling gale.Continuing to run no matter the circumstances. 

When the bills are coming in faster than the money. When the car breaks down. When your marriage is in trouble and you are hanging on by your nails. When your children are sick and you hold them in the early hours of the morning to bring them comfort. When the phone rings and the news it brings is something you do not want to hear. When a loved one dies. When your womb is empty and it seems that all your tears have been wasted. When the job you so desperately need goes to someone else.

That is when we are called to run the race with endurance.Our reward is not in the here and now.  A medal does not come at the beginning or in the middle of the race. It comes at the end, when you cross the finish line. When your Father welcomes you home with open arms, saying well done, good and FAITHFUL servant.

As we go into this new year, not knowing what it will bring, let us hold onto God's word and run this race with endurance