Several years ago, my family and I relocated to another country. One of the major adjustments for the children was their new school. Our new home country placed a big emphasis on athletics, which was entirely new for them. One of the highlights of the school year was the annual sports day.
I remember very clearly standing on the field and seeing my daughter lined up to run the 800-meter race. I was horrified. My daughter had never in her life run a 100-meter race, much less an 800-meter one. I didn’t know what to expect.
When the race ended, my daughter was the last person to cross the finish line. It took her a while, but she completed the race. I was very proud of her. She did not receive a medal. But she finished. She endured. She did not give up halfway around the track, even when it became difficult and uncomfortable. And in that moment, finishing was the victory.
Life has a way of challenging us in ways we don’t expect. When caught in a crisis, we are called to be patient and to persevere. Hebrews 10:36 says, “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”
The need expressed is for patience, not winning against someone else. Our journey of faith is not about being first or being the fastest. It is about remaining faithful. There will be seasons when we feel out of breath, overwhelmed, and far behind everyone else. Yet God does not ask us to outrun others; He asks us to endure.
Perseverance is not glamorous. It often looks like simply putting one foot in front of the other when everything in us wants to stop. But Scripture reminds us that there is a promise attached to perseverance. When we continue to trust, obey, and remain steadfast, even in hardship, we position ourselves to receive what God has promised.
That day on the track, my daughter taught me a powerful lesson: finishing matters. In our walk with God, may we be found faithful, not because the race was easy, but because we chose to keep going.
Bible Focus: Hebrews 10:36 – “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”
Hmm… Moment:
• What area(s) of life are you feeling like giving up?
• What can you do today to take one step forward in the right direction?
• Pray for God’s strength to enable you to continue to persevere.
Author: Shennetter Maynard
Source: My Sister’s Keeper: 21-day Devotional for Women