The Starting Point

I enjoyed playing sports in high school, especially football and basketball.  Being 6’3” tall, my basketball coach often played me at center.  I was tall and lean, which made it easier to jump higher than many opposing players.  I also competed in track and field, running the half-mile (880-yard run).  Although the race was challenging, my endurance and long stride helped me win and place in many of the meets in which I competed.

My success in those races opened the door for me to compete in the DVAL Championships, where the best runners faced one another.  Getting mentally prepared at the starting point of each race became an important routine.  I tried not to focus on how long and grueling the half-mile would be, but rather on how I would run the race.  It’s too long to be a sprint and too short to settle into a comfortable pace.  You have to push yourself almost the entire way.

My goal was always to finish strong and earn the reward that awaited at the finish line.  I ran to the best of my ability, hoping to experience what athletes call a “second wind”—that remarkable moment when someone who is exhausted and out of breath suddenly finds renewed strength to continue performing at a high level with less effort.

At the starting line, all the runners had shed their warm-up sweats and heavy tennis shoes.  Everyone stripped down to the essentials: lightweight running shorts and jerseys, along with featherweight track shoes.  I was usually filled with anticipation, excitement, and wonder as I waited for the race to begin, wondering what the outcome would be when I crossed the finish line.

The Bible compares our walk with God to running a race.  Hebrews 12 tells us to throw off the things that weigh us down and to run with endurance, keeping our eyes on Jesus.

Scripture encourages believers to persevere in their faith, running with endurance the greatest race of all. 

(Hebrews 12:1-3), “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.  For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

When the Holy Spirit convicted me to lay down the heavy burden of sin I had been carrying, I chose to enter the race that leads to heaven, where I would one day receive the crown of righteousness promised to those who endure and finish well.

(2 Timothy 4:7), “Now there is in store for me the 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 longed for His appearing.

As I continue running this spiritual race, I am reminded of my track coach cheering me on from the sidelines—his voice loud and clear as I pushed toward the finish line.  In much the same way, the Holy Spirit encourages me: “Keep running!  Don’t quit!  You’re going to make it!”

The starting point of this race was the moment I asked God to forgive my sins.  I still remember the place, the month, and the year when I began my journey toward the ultimate goal—heaven—the greatest reward of any race I have ever run.  It is a journey that began when I met Jesus Christ.  He has been my faithful traveling companion for many years, and I do not regret a single mile we have traveled together.

Today, we are blessed to have GPS systems and road maps to guide us so we do not lose our way.  Yet even greater than these is the Bible, God’s spiritual roadmap.  It guides us into all truth and leads us safely to our final destination—heaven.

Written by, 

Papa Boyd