Run with endurance?

It calls to my attention what the Apostle Paul said;

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12: 1-2)

This concept really interested me so I looked up the definition of endurance online:

The fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way.

"she was close to the limit of her endurance"

synonyms: toleration · bearing · tolerance · sufferance · fortitude · forbearance · patience · etc.

So then I thought to my self; well that's not an easy thing to do sometimes, but Jesus did it, and many other people of great faith in the Bible.

But that brings up the question:

How can I endure in the race of life with out losing focus by the struggles of life?

And then, it came to me.

We can't do it alone and we are not alone! It's by the power of the Holy Spirit that lives within us; in all those that has accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior of their lives.

''Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”(Matthew 11: 28-30)

So I see!

The reason we are troubled, and what makes us slow down in the race of life is, when we take our view off the great prize before us, not the one that perishes but the one that's everlasting. We're called to run in such a way that by looking at Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith we will be renewed in our spirit to accomplish our destiny on this earth and the one to come by His side.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."( 1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

The best part of all is that God is right by our side to help us stay focused and encourages us to keep on going. He is right there with you every single day and it's going to be ok.

Prayer: Thank you Father for encouraging me today to continue the race as you are with me every step of the way. I pray that if I happen to slow down, please provide endurance, and just hold on to me and don't ever let go until I finish my race victoriously in Jesus, name.