Good morning: They’re called ultramarathons or sometimes just “ultras,” running events which are 50-100 miles or more in length, often meaning a minimum of 24 sleepless hours spent constantly moving. I can’t imagine how anyone does that or would even want to. Yet thousands compete in these races every year. It certainly requires training and strength, but above all mental and physical endurance to keep going when every muscle in your body is telling you to quit. As grueling as ultras are, there is a race which is far tougher, one which every child of God is running. It is the course of life winding through this sinful world. It’s not smooth and easy. Jesus says that the gate is small and the road narrow that leads to eternal life. There are temptations and distractions along the way. Many become tired and discouraged and drop out. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). It would be so much easier to veer off course, indulge our sinful nature, and take the path of least resistance. Yet there is only one way to a truly meaningful life, peace with God, and eternal joy with the Lord. That is by faith in Jesus, who has gone before us to the cross with the full weight of our sins on His shoulders. By His saving work He cleared away everything which stood between us and God. He promises, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (Jn. 8:12). How do you keep going when you are so physically, mentally, and spiritually drained that you can’t find the strength to take another step as a believer in Christ, let alone face the hills and mountains which may lie ahead? Don’t look for endurance in yourself. Keep going by faith in the Lord’s promises. He told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). Faith joins us to the Lord and His limitless grace and strength. “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Is. 40:31). The course of another day stretches out ahead of us. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Take to heart the encouragement of His Word. Trust Him for all you need to keep running the ultimate “ultra” all the way to the finish! Yours in Christ, Pastor Our summer schedule begins tomorrow with one service at 9 a.m. Sunday school and Bible class are in recess for the summer.
