One of the lessons all of us are learning in these trying days is that this life we live is not a sprint. It is a marathon!
In Hebrews 12:1 we are encouraged to “Run with patience the race that is set before us…” Again, in Hebrews 6:12, we read:
“We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”
Strong’s Concordance renders the Greek word used for patience as “longanimity, forbearance, fortitude.” Other related English words that derive from the root meaning are: “perseverance, grit, composure, diligence, restraint, endurance, poise, moderation, self-control, humility, fortitude, tolerance, persistence, acceptance, bearing, heart, stoicism, leniency, long-suffering, toleration.”
WOW! What a list!
Prayer is the breath we breathe as we press toward the finish line. Whether it takes the form of praise and worship, petition, or heartfelt intercession as we stand in the gap for others, it is what carries us forward and sharpens our focus for the race. Let’s not grow weary but let’s press toward the mark!
Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:28-31