All kinds of long-distance races are held in Hong Kong every year. Some take place over a few kilometers and others well over a hundred. Some are done on tracks and roads and others are cross-country. The Oxfam Trailwalker held recently required hikers to cover 100 kilometers in 48 hours. Before a long-distance race, runners must undergo training for running long distances to prevent problems such as low glucose level, cramps and sprains during the race. On undulating roads, if fatigue makes a runner lose focus, he can easily lose balance, fall and sprain himself. Runners need plenty of muscle training before the race. They need to practice abrupt turns and sideway jumps to minimize the chances of having cramps from losing balance.

       Likewise, the path of life for Christians is a long-distance race of faith. It is one that is susceptible to falling and cramps due to personal circumstances and mistakes, or changes in the social, economic or political environment. God knows that our path is long. He therefore puts various kinds of training in place to strengthen our spiritual muscles. God wants us to endure the hard race so that we become race-worthy. On the way, some may doubt God’s lovingkindness. They may stop believing in His promises or think that they can no longer endure, and so drop out of the race. Some others may keep a distance and sadly look on.

       The Book of Hebrews talks about the difficulties and persecutions believers face on earth. It is truly a long-distance race. “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.” (12:1) The race here points to a long-distance race that requires perseverance to finish. During the race, we need to pay attention to the examples set by saints down the ages. At the same time, we need to “fix our eyes” on Jesus. Jesus endured the cross because He looked forward to “the joy set before him” (12:2). Those who can finish the race know that it is not “destiny” or evil powers that are in control. It is the loving God who reigns and “sets” the race before us so that when we “have done the will of God,” we “will receive what he has promised” (10:36).

       For those who have been trained, perseverance is produced in their lives, which enables them to consistently trust in the Lord on the difficult journey and “become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). This is what God wants to do in us. It is not difficult for anybody to love the Lord in his good times or to be strong while he is happy. But whoever still loves the Lord and calmly waits on the Lord when he is in distress, when the path ahead is full of uncertainties, or when he sees no end to the hardship he faces, that man’s faith is real. “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12) Who are the ones that love the Lord? They are those who still trust and love the Lord in times of trials. Who can receive the crown of life? They are the ones who endure the tests in the long-distance race of faith.