Run in Such a WaySample

Introduction

Have you ever dedicated time, resources and energy to a project and felt like giving up? Did you ever experience disappointment towards a goal you had in mind and just felt like quitting?

These are common experiences we face in life. It's not starting the project or launching the business or even writing the goal down that is the hardest part of accomplishing something. It is finishing and finishing strong!

There's a story of a man from Tanzania, Africa. His name is John Stephen Akhwari. He was representing Tanzania at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. While competing in the marathon in Mexico City, Akhwari cramped up due to the high altitude of the city. He had not trained at such an altitude back in his country. At the 30 kilometer point during the 42 km race, there was jockeying for position between some runners and he was hit. He fell badly, wounding his knee and causing a dislocation. Plus, his shoulder hit hard against the pavement. He, however, continued running, finishing last among the 17 competitors who completed the race (79 had started). The winner of the marathon, Mamo Wolde of Ethiopia, finished in 2:20:26. Akhwari finished in 3:25:27, when there were only a few thousand people left in the stadium, and the sun had set. A television crew was sent out from the medal ceremony when word was received that there was one more runner about to finish.

As he finally crossed the finish line, a cheer came from the small crowd. When interviewed later and asked why he continued running, he said, "My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race; they sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race."

Friends, Jesus did not die on a cross, arise and ascend to the right-hand of the Father to intercede for you and I so we can just start this race. He did so we can finish this race strong!

Over the next few days, we will be diving into Hebrews chapter 12 to receive encouragement and specifically four tools that will help us 'run in such a way' that will impact the way we experience Christ in our lives on a daily basis.