By Melissa Sharp
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
When I stepped up to give the pre-race devotional before the Bass Pro Marathon and Half Marathon, I began with a simple question:
“Good morning, friends! Who’s ready for a great race today?”
With near-record cold temperatures, I knew exactly what many runners were thinking.
“I don’t feel ready at all. I’m freezing. I’m tired. And I’m already regretting my life choices.”
If that’s been you—trust me—you’re not alone. But here’s the truth I’ve learned in all my years as a runner and coach: I have NEVER met anyone who regretted finishing a marathon or half marathon.
Not one. Ever.
Finishing changes people.
Finishing builds grit.
Finishing produces lessons that shape them for years.
Finishing births a joy they didn’t know they were capable of.
But quitting?
Quitting is a hard pillow to sleep on.
That’s why I encourage you—to decide ahead of time that you will finish the race before you. Decide that you will push forward, that you will not give up, and that you will cross your finish line with a smile. Run with joy. James 4:14 reminds us that our lives are “a vapor” that appears for a moment and then vanishes. We get today. So let’s make today count.
On Friday before the race, my friend Phillip—running his first full marathon—asked me for advice. I told him the same thing I tell first-timers and veterans alike:
“You don’t HAVE to run this race. You GET to. God gave you the ability. Trust Him to get you through, and let Him teach you along the way. Determine now that you WILL finish—and give God ALL the glory.”
But for believers, there’s even more encouragement available to us; that is, we don’t run alone. Hebrews 12 paints the picture. We are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses”—men and women of faith who finished their race and now testify that God is faithful.
Their lives shout to us:
Keep going.
Throw off the weights.
Throw off the sin.
Fix your eyes on Jesus.
The reason WE can run with joy is because Jesus ran with joy first. “For the joy set before Him,” He endured the cross and He endured the shame. He chose joy as the fuel that carried Him to the finish.
Joy produces perseverance. Perseverance produces endurance. Endurance gets you across every finish line God sets in front of you. So run with joy today. Run with a smile—yes, an actual smile—because even science agrees that it reduces pain and lifts your mind. And when the mind is joyful, the heart follows. And when the heart is joyful, the legs obey. And when the legs obey, you finish the race. And finishing whether a marathon—or the spiritual race of life—is always worth it. Paul said it best:
“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:6-8
Running with joy doesn’t just get you across a marathon finish line— it prepares you to run faithfully across the final finish line of life and into the peace, joy, love, and rest in a kingdom ruled by our perfect Lord!
Run well.
Run faithfully.
Run with joy.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the race You’ve set before us. Give us the strength to lay aside every weight and the sin that slows us down. Teach us to run with joy—just as Jesus did—fixing our eyes on Him when the miles get long and the hills get steep. Fill our hearts with endurance, purpose, and unshakable faith so that, when we reach our final finish line, we will be found faithful. Help us make today count. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
Melissa Sharp is an ultra runner and running coach who has completed more than 100 marathons and ultra marathons. Melissa has learned how to keep running the race of life for the glory of Christ even though she endured decades of domestic abuse. Melissa is a survivor. Through her daily blog thejoyfilledrunner she inspires others to live in the strength of Christ.
