Hebrews 12:1-2
1 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, 2 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.
Running is awful. Anyone who tells you differently has deluded themselves by enduring so much of the awfulness of running that they enjoy it becoming slightly less awful as they get stronger. Why run any race? Why run this race? If running this race means you have to give up sin that you love and enduring extreme difficulty and pain, why go through with it?
We look to Jesus. God has set this race before us with Jesus as the example, the reward, and the constant encouragement. He is the reason we run and the strength to run. There will be pain on this road, but if Jesus prescribes it, we can endure it with the joy set before us.
Prayer prompt: Lord, please hold the joy and example of Jesus before my eyes all day today.