Conversations at the coalface
If at first
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfector of our faith. Hebrews 12: 1 and 2
Lord, you know that legend about King Robert the Bruce and the spider; the one where he hides in a cave after defeat in battle and thinks about quitting.
In the gloom of the cave he watched a spider weaving a web. Several times the spider fell down, but kept trying till it finally completed the web. Bruce was inspired by this display of perseverance and decided to fight again, telling his men, ‘If at first you don’t succeed, try, try and try again.’
This story is meant to teach us the importance of moving on after failure.
But perseverance is more than that isn’t it Lord? It’s also the daily determination to live according to principles despite all the ups and downs that life brings.
There are plenty of verses in scripture about this kind of perseverance suggesting that you attach a lot of importance to it. I’m not sure why, but perhaps you understand us too well and know that we need reminding that living the life of faith requires trust, discipline and commitment, qualities that you modelled during your earthly life.
In the scriptures we see you pressing on through all the frustrations imposed by your humanity, through the abuse of ignorant men, the loneliness and fear of Gethsemane right through the mockery of your trail to the agonies and abandonment of the cross.
Where would we be Lord now if you had thrown in the towel, summoned the legions of angels and quit when the going was tough?
As a former runner, I can relate to those verses that compare the Christian life to a race. There are the moments of glory when the winner crosses the line to the applause of the crowd.
But behind the triumph there will be the dark winter nights of training to prepare for the race. But the scriptural imagery is not just of a solo effort. It includes a ‘great cloud of witnesses’ who must be the runner’s trainers, supporters and the crowds who cheer them on.
You don’t want us to be alone on our Christian journey do you Lord?
We need the help and of our fellow Christians, those with whom we share fellowship, who support and pray for us as we run our race. How important they are in encouraging us to keep going.
Then there’s that bit about you being the author and perfector of our faith. You placed us on the race track to heaven, will be with us along the way and will be there at the end of the race.
That reminds me of that precious time when my children were learning to walk. I would stand a few yards away, hold out my arms and they would totter unsteadily towards me with an uncertain smile until they were enfolded in my arms. What a beautiful and inspiring picture of the race of faithful perseverance.
Imagine that, enfolded in your arms Lord, when we finally cross the finishing line.
Mike Worthing