When I held my newborn boy in my arms, I had no idea what awaited me. We enjoyed a Hallmark movie moment when my screaming, kicking boy quieted and stared at me as I crooned “Jesus Loves Me” into his ear. At that moment, I didn’t know trouble would begin just 12 months later, and that I’d need a lot more encouragement than fleeting Hallmark movie moments can give.
At one year old, Andres started a cycle of diarrhea and vomiting that would last 3 weeks, followed by 2 weeks of wellness. (Sorry to share too much information!) Six months later, with a tearstained face I carried a listless, unresponsive baby into the hospital.
Almost miraculously, he responded to treatment, and soon I was chasing him with an IV pole so the needle wouldn’t rip out as he ran around the hospital. We discovered he had a milk allergy, and for 6 months all our problems were solved.
Until he started coughing at age 2.
We rushed back to the hospital when he began to cough nonstop. Literally. Like 20 times a minute. That began a years-long endurance race that included nebulizers, inhalers, doctor visits, sleepless nights, tests, and an emergency room visit. I can’t count the number of total strangers who stopped me to ask, “Ma’am. Is your little boy okay?”
Doctors said he had asthma. Then they said they didn’t know. Mysteriously, my son stopped coughing at age 12.
Some nights it felt like parenting had turned into an endurance marathon.
But Jesus made all the difference in my race.
When we struggle to endure, the author and finisher of our faith stands at the finish line cheering us on.
What race are you running, my friend?
Maybe like me, you’re rushing a child to the emergency room. Or worrying about your college student’s choices. Or trying to lose weight or get a new job. You might feel too discouraged to take the next step in that impossible dream you know God called you to, because you’re just not seeing the fruit.
Remember Jesus. Consider Jesus. Fix your thoughts on Jesus.
Jesus has run this race before us, and He transforms our endurance marathon into a road to glory.
I know the road you’re on does not feel glorious. (Mine doesn’t either.)
You may not be feeling the glory right now, but the book of Hebrews has 4 encouragements for our race:
1. Remember You Are Not Alone
“Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Hebrews 2:18)
Jesus is with us every step of the way. Because He has suffered the trials and pain of our world, He knows how we feel.
2. Draw Near to God
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
Mercy and grace are available to us always. What do you need God’s forgiveness for today? What do you need His help with right now? Let’s draw near to confess our sins and ask Him for help.
3. Hold on to Hope
We have the hope of God’s help today and the hope of glory in the future. Our hope is based on God’s faithfulness. He has not failed us yet, and He never will. What promise can you put your hope in today?
4. Fix your eyes on Jesus
“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1b,2)
When we fix our eyes on Jesus, He transforms our path. He strengthens us. He renews hope and joy.
Friend, let’s stay in the race with our eyes on Jesus. Today my 21-year-old son is preparing to graduate college, hoping to serve in the Peace Corps before he applies for law school. Now I can see the fruit of my marathon race.
And no matter what race you’re running, I’m sure you will too. Encouragement is on the way.
Are you facing the challenges of life on an empty tank? Need help renewing your relationship with God?
Follow this link to find me on Facebook for daily encouragement.
Linking up with Kelly Balarie’s #RaRa Linkup, Mary Geisen’s #TellHisStory, Crystal Storms’ #HeartEncouragement, and Lyli Dunbar’s #FaithonFire. Check out these communities for more encouragement.
Thanks for this encouragement, Betsy! And for your testimony of how God helped you to persevere. It makes a big difference to keep our eyes on Jesus and to fix our hope on God’s faithfulness.
Yes, it does! A big difference indeed. Blessings as you stay in your own race, Lesley!
Betsy, wow, you guys walked through some stressful seasons with your boy and his food/body issues. It really is in those tough seasons when we either step into the place of trusting Jesus or step out and trust ourselves. He is truly faithful to help us when we persevere with Him, isn’t He?
Yes, He is faithful, indeed! Grace to you for your own race, Jeanne!
Motherhood, the race of endurance. Funny how it is never all Hallmark moments. Glad he and you endured. I love that Jesus promises to never abandon us on the marathon of a race called life. Great encouragement here. Thanks.
You’re so right, Theresa! Those Hallmark moments happen, but not every day! But Jesus. He’s with us ever day.
I really find your readings helpful even though I am still confuse as a child of God because I lost my 23 year old daughter on the 3rd January 2019 and we buried her on 12,she was involved in a car accident and was hospitalized for 4 days and I was hoping she would wake up but she was brain dead, I feel so weak spiritually and really need that encouragement
Oh Betty, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. That hits home with me because my kids are also young 20’s. I am so sorry. I am praying now for God’s comfort and love over you.
Great encouragement! Thanks for sharing your story. My heart hurts as I imagine your mama’s heart concerned for your sick kiddo. That’s so excruciating (my boy had asthma)! The verses you share are perfect. I wrote this week on perseverance and steadfastness so this caught my eye and rounded out my week of contemplating this nicely!
I’m sorry your boy had asthma, Amy! I’m sure you know how it feels. May the Lord encourage you as you meditate on His steadfastness and faithfulness!
Oh yes, those are the tough seasons, aren’t they, Betsy. And those tough seasons continue, woven in and out of our lives, surprising us with their power to drive us right off the rails.
But God …
Yes, but God. He transforms our race to a glory road. Sometimes we just need to open our eyes to see it!
Reading this reminds me of God’s continual care for us no matter what season of life we are in, no matter what storms blow our way. By focusing on the Lord, I can see how His peace settles over me and those doubts and fears melt down and even away. It is when I walk and tremble in the anxiousness and thoughts that I am the one in control and don’t seem to be able to do anything about the situation that my mind runs amuk. He is steadfast and true. I am so grateful. Thanks, Betsy, for encouraging me this day. Seems like that’s what today is filled with: ENCOURAGEMENT!!! Bless you.
Thanks for chiming in your voice here,Linda! This makes me sigh in relief: “God’s continual care for us no matter what season of life we are in, no matter what storms blow our way.” Let’s keep focusing on Him!
Gotta admit that some days, the race has worn me flat out. But God’s grace sustains and somehow, God carries me through until the pace of life is easier again. So grateful that God carries us!
Lisa, you are one of the living heroes in the great cloud of witnesses that surrounds me.
Hie, thanks with this encouraging story. I had just waken up from a bad dream. It was 3 minutes after midnight,SouthernAfrica time. I knelt down and prayed then check my mailbox after prayer, only to pick your amazing story. Instead of worrying about what l had seen in my dream and how bad it seemed, l actual had a peace of mind. The road can rough sometimes but God is good all the time. Thanks again – God bless you and you family. Keep pn share sharing you will bail out a soul somewhere.
Judith, thanks so much for sharing your encouraging story! May the Lord bless your sleep and keep it sweet, friend.