Have you ever run a race? Remember that moment on the track when you first see the finish line? I always used to get a second wind when that finish line banner would come into sight. I’m not so good at running anymore, but that same feeling comes up every once in a while – “I’m almost there!”

I think Paul the Apostle may have been into sports. He likened his own life to running a race, and encouraged Timothy to “fight the good fight ” (1 Timothy 1:18, 6:12). He knew the benefits of pushing through, hanging in, and finishing strong. I started the month right in the middle of a good race, saw the finish line on the horizon, and as surely as obstacles are not made of whipped cream, fell flat on my face.

One thing after another tripped me up, person after person bringing bad reports, my faith being tested and in some cases, coming under attack. Out of nowhere the whirlwind hit, scrambling my well-laid plans and causing me to lose my focus. Various trials. And I’m supposed to find Joy in all this?

Yes. I am. Giddy, exuberant joy? Perhaps not, but joy nonetheless. Why? What good will it do to find joy amongst the scattered failures of this past month? I like to answer questions that come up while reading scripture with more scripture, and find the promise in Nehemiah 8:10 that “the Joy of the Lord is my strength.” There is certainly more to joy than just smiling all the time, or feeling good about the future. God’s joy brings strength.

Why do I have to be tested? 1 Peter 1:7, “These trials will show that your faith is genuine.” Each time my faith is tested, and I pass (get up one more time) my faith grows stronger, more pure. Each obstacle that I face? An opportunity to grow my faith. Each time I miss the mark, or stumble and disappear into a cloud of dust – just one more chance to exercise my faith.

Being infused with God’s strength allows us to get up again and Faith kicks in to keep us moving forward. What a powerful combination! That gives me hope, and a second (or third) wind.

But once again, I have questions: Why do I need patience? Back to the Word, where I discover that the words patience, perseverance and endurance are used interchangeably in the New Testament and its various translations. Guess that makes sense. A runner’s got to have loads of endurance to run a good race. What does that mean for everyday life? Hebrews 10:36 says, “Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised.”

So, if I take everything I learned while studying the verses above and apply them all to the scripture in James, my translation might go something like this:  Count on God’s strength while your faith is tested and proven, confident that you will receive endurance to finish the race.

This month may not have turned out the way I had planned, and yes, I am starting this particular race over, but this verse (and what I’ve remembered along the way) will continue to encourage me as I run.

What scriptures or passages  keep you going when things get tough?