Eyes Forward: Running with Endurance

The Long Game

Sprinters and marathoners run differently. A sprinter explodes for seconds, but a marathoner must pace themselves, endure pain, and stay steady for the long haul. The writer of Hebrews says faith is like running a long-distance race — it requires endurance.

Throwing Off What Slows You Down

No serious runner competes in jeans, boots, and a heavy jacket. They strip off everything unnecessary so they can run free. In the same way, sin, distractions, and even good things that become idols can slow us down in faith. To endure, we need to let them go.

Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

The key to endurance is focus. Runners aim at the finish line. We aim at Jesus — the “pioneer and perfecter” of our faith. He ran His race all the way to the cross, and now He gives us the strength to run ours.

Sports + Faith Connection

• In training, endurance is built by pushing past what feels comfortable.
• In faith, endurance is built by daily choosing Jesus over distractions.
• Both demand discipline, focus, and a clear vision of the goal.

Athlete Takeaway

This week, identify one thing that slows you down in your walk with Christ.

• Release it: Name it and set it aside.
• Replace it: Fill that space with prayer, scripture, or encouragement.
• Run free: Keep your eyes on Jesus, the one who gives you strength to endure.

Encouragement from Scripture

“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” — 1 Corinthians 9:25