Intercessors, we are all in a race right now! The race we are running, however, isn’t a 3K, 5K or even a half marathon. In fact, we are running a full-blown marathon, complete with obstacle courses along the way. Unlike the typical marathon, which is 26.2 miles, we aren’t even sure how far we have to run. We know we must reach the finish line, but we aren’t told exactly where that finish line is. What we do know, however, is that Jesus is waiting for us at the end of this long race.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).

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Can you picture Jesus right now? He’s standing at the end of the path with a grand smile saying, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

The race we are running is challenging.

The recent assassination attempt on President Trump has certainly caused much stress and anxiety among American citizens who see it as a direct attack on conservative America. This follows months and even years of rampant division in our nation. We are battling censorship, lawfare, war mongering, the mutilation of our youth, the killing of the unborn, the weaponization of medicine, and the rise of globalism all at the same time. In the midst of this, we are wrestling with our own personal problems, which may include struggles with our family, health, jobs, and finances. All the while, we keep running, never knowing when this uphill race will be finished.

We are not alone in our race.

The footraces of ancient Israel, Greece and Rome can provide some context to this difficult race we are all running. In those days, athletes competing in an event were surrounded by row upon row of spectators, who were all eagerly watching from the stands. As Christians, we too are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. These faithful believers have gone before us, many of them having faced persecution and death. Yet these brave souls are cheering us on to the end.

Running requires strict training.

Running a successful marathon isn’t for the faint of heart, or those without physical training. It requires months, or even years of consistent running, depending on your fitness level. Over time, endurance and strength is built up as the ability to cover long distances increases. During this process, runners learn that hydration is essential, as well as nutritious food to fuel their bodies. A focused, positive mental attitude is perhaps the most important factor in getting these determined athletes across that finish line after long hours of running that would exhaust the average person.

In the Christian race, we too must train like a seasoned athlete. Some of us have been at it for many years as we faithfully study the Word, develop a rich prayer life, and dedicate ourselves to biblical obedience. Throughout our routine, we hydrate with the Living Water and fuel ourselves with the Holy Spirit, as well the Word of God and the intercession of other believers. Like a competitive athlete, we want to finish well, but more importantly, we want to win the race God has set before us.

The Apostle Paul knew about races, and competing in athletic events. He was familiar with the ancient Greek Games, where athletes competed for a winner’s wreath (crown).

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run their very best to win, but only one receives the prize? Run your race in such a way that you may seize the prize and make it yours!  Now every athlete who goes into training and competes in the games is disciplined and exercises self-control in all things. They do it to win a crown that withers, but we do it to receive an imperishable crown that cannot wither. Therefore, I do not run without a definite goal; I do not flail around like one beating the air just shadow boxing. But like a boxer I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached the gospel to others, I myself will not somehow be disqualified as unfit for service (1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Amplified Bible).

In these verses, Paul is reminding Christians they must be serious about their mission (race) in the Kingdom of God. In fact, they should be just as serious as an athlete who has painstakingly trained to win a particular event. Christians are in the race to be victorious! But throughout the journey, they must keep their eyes on the prize. This prize, however, is more than a laurel wreath, medal, or an earthly trophy which will fade away. An imperishable crown of life is what awaits every believer at the end of their race.

What is weighing you down in the race?

Hebrews 12:1 highlights an important point about how we set ourselves up for success. Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely. It is fairly well-known that many athletes in ancient times wore little, if any clothing. Of course, the ancient Greeks did this to exalt the human body and pay homage to gods such as Zeus, Poseidon and others.

Today’s athletes do not compete in events naked, but oftentimes, they wear lightweight, breathable clothing, especially if they are runners who want to finish with the best time possible. It would be quite puzzling to witness a professional runner showing up to a race in a business suit, complete with a tie and dress shoes. The cumbersome weight of the clothes and shoes would surely cause the runner to fumble down the track.

Intercessors, lately it feels like the weight of the world is crushing us. The overwhelming heaviness is reminiscent of that burdensome business suit, which is capable of dragging us down at any moment. That is all the more reason why we must get rid of the things which hinder our race. Perhaps it’s doubt, unbelief, guilt, shame, heartbrokenness, unforgiveness, anxiety, anger, idleness, or personal sins that are entangling the very feet we need to run with. Thankfully, Jesus can lighten that load. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what is hindering your race.

Have you hit a wall?

During marathons, runners can experience a number of issues such as leg cramps, shin splints, or dehydration. But perhaps one of the hardest things to overcome during a long race is what runners call “hitting the wall.” Most describe it like hitting face-first into a brick wall. Runner’s World explains, “Your legs simultaneously feel like they are made of jelly, yet also weigh eight tons each. Every step is an absolute triumph of will, and you start to seriously doubt that the race even has a finish line. It usually happens to runners around the 18-mile mark, and is the result of insufficient fueling.”

In these days of political upheaval and fierce demonic activity, it’s easy to hit the wall. Some of us have hit more walls than we can count and we have the scars to prove it. Perhaps right now it feels like you are down and out for the count.

Jesus is cheering us on.

Recently, my faith hit a massive wall. One thing after another had knocked me down and I wasn’t interested in running anymore. But somehow, I had just enough energy to do my worship time. I put on the music and focused my attention on the King of Kings. It was during this time that I experienced an encouraging vision of Jesus. I could see him standing in the distance near a finish line. On the verge of collapse, I could barely get one foot in front of the other. But I focused my eyes on His glorious face. He was smiling and waving, as he motioned for me to keep going. Though there was a long distance to go, I kept running toward him.

After this beautiful vision, I thought about 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing.

Even though we don’t know when our race will be over, we can still run it well, knowing that our ultimate goal is to finish and win. In fact, seasoned athletes who train in all types of sports can provide valuable clues for navigating the Christian life. Famous NFL quarterback Tim Tebow reminds us that whether in sports or real life, it’s  important to look past the chaos and start every day with Scripture and truth. Other athletes, such as Olympian and 400-meter hurdle world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, have shared that embracing the Christian faith has transformed their lives and careers, allowing them to move beyond fear and doubt. Sydney stresses, “First and foremost, I’m a child of God. It set me free to run the race God has set out for me to run.”

While there are some athletes who perform for human praise, as followers of Christ, we do it for His praise. In the end, all of our rewards will end up at the feet of Jesus.

Intercessors, even as the road gets rougher and the potholes deeper, DO NOT GIVE UP! Instead, press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). He is already at the finish line waiting for you.

Lord Jesus, thank you for cheering us on to the very end of our race. Give us the strength and endurance we need to finish well.

What have you found to be the hardest part of the Christian race? What keeps you going, even when you “hit the wall?”

 Angela Rodriguez is an author, blogger and homeschooling Mom who studies the historical and biblical connections between Israel and the United States. You can visit her blogs at 67owls.com and 100trumpets.com. She is also the author of Psalm 91: Under the Wings of Jesus, and her first children’s book, Hallelujah’s Great Ride, was just released in September 2023. Photo credit: Photo by Mārtiņš Zemlickis on Unsplash.