Running the Race - Perseverance
Hebrews 12: 1-2a – “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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith…
In the midst of a season of trials, I retreated for a few moments to a favorite place of mine in the summer to “breathe”, a chair on my deck in the warm (and I mean WARM) sunshine! This is my go-to place for little breaks during the day, for as many days out of the year that the weather will allow.As I was experiencing a weariness of being pulled in many directions, I read today’s Scripture, focusing on the message of running with perseverance the race
“marked out for us”. See, God gives each one of us a unique race to run. My race does not look exactly like yours, and your race does not look exactly like mine. Some legs of our races may be similar, and our tools to persevere can be similar, but God gives each one of us something a little different to do. The passage says that God has set the race before us. He provides us with tools to endure and finish the race. This message was life-giving to me, as I was focusing on my circumstances and not fixing my eyes on Jesus. I needed to change my focus.I refocused my attention on tools that would help me persevere on my race. Here are some tools I needed to use to train with for both my body and my soul. “Tough assignments call for tough training.”
Persevere in spiritual walk. This means that I live intentionally, as verse 2a states, with my eyes fixed on Jesus.
- Read His word daily! This can be reading through the Bible, Bible plans, devotionals, anything that brings God’s word directly to me. Writing a verse or thought helps me hang on to the truth longer.
- Speaking to God about requests, and being still enough to let Him speak, and then to listen.
- Listen to music:Let Christian music pour over your soul! Body & Soul® chooses uplifting and encouraging songs.
- Connect with others: God puts others next to us on the race. Don’t run alone.
Perseverance in health. I can often let time constraints, responsibilities, and weariness overpower the need for self-care. Here are a few things that help me keep running.
- Exercise: the benefits are limitless to our health, and yet we can often push this aside.Being committed helps me stay faithful – commit to a class, keep it on your schedule, be accountable to someone.Set specific goals. And of course, nothing beats a Body & Soul® workout – whether it’s a live in-person or virtual class, or a FitTV On Demand workout! Do whatever works in your schedule but do something!
- Nutrition: be intentional about meals and snacks. Make healthy foods readily available. I often post a reminder somewhere that says “drink water” or “take vitamins” so I make sure I’m doing these things. Setting a phone alarm can work as well.
- Rest: take time to refresh, restore, and regroup. I’ve heard it said if you don’t come apart and rest, you will come apart. You may be in a season where time is limited, but try to grab a few minutes to do something that fills your bucket. Get creative.
Where are you in your race today? Are you running with endurance and plenty of energy or do you feel like you are losing steam or running in place? In what area do you need more training? Body & Soul® wants to run alongside you as we keep our eyes on Jesus and run the race!
Teri Moscatelli, Bowie, MD
Teri loves encouraging people to work towards their goals - both physical and spiritual! She is certified by the American Council on Exercise for both Group Fitness and Personal Training. Teri is a Regional Director for Body & Soul® as well as our Director of Operations. She lives and instructs in Bowie, MD. When she's not teaching or working for Body & Soul®, she loves hanging out with her family and puppy dogs.
