I’m not super into running, but I ran a 5K one time that totally pushed me outside of my comfort zone.
I practiced for a few weeks leading up to the race.
I’d push a stroller with a kid in it and run around the neighborhood.
At first, I could only run an embarrassingly small amount without stopping.
When I’d look at my phone to see how much I still had to run, I would almost quit.
It was too hard. I couldn’t do it.
But slowly, I built up my stamina.
On the day of the race, the cold morning air was sharp in my lungs.
I started the race.
There were many times that I wanted to quit.
My lungs were on fire and my calves started to cramp.
But I kept going because I knew the end point was near!
I crossed the finish line, and immediately rested and drank tons of water before climbing in our heated car.
I pushed through my discomfort during the race because I knew it wasn’t going to last forever.
Isn’t this is the kind of perspective that can give us hope here on earth, too?
Some races are short and intense, some are long and grating.
But we know there is going to be a finish line with a greater reward than we could even imagine at the end.
Job was a powerful example of this.
He knew exactly what the reward was, and he had faith that it really would happen.
Job bore this sweet but powerful testimony:
“I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.” (Job 19:25-26)
Jesus Christ lives, and we will be resurrected!
That is the glorious finish line waiting for each of us.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
