There is a blessing to be uncovered in and through online friends. Relationships, deep ones at that, can be forged through small groups formed on the foundation of God’s Word.

It’s been years of meeting with these ladies in the early morning hours of a small group through Hello Mornings. As we have shared, study after study, through parenting, school years, graduations, weddings, deaths and becoming grandparents, our hearts have become united and encouraged.

Today I want to welcome my online sweet friend, Susan Strawser, and share her written words with you. The verse we were discussing was:

“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, 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 12:1-2, NLT)

As a runner … I mean walker 🙂 I can relate to this verse. In a marathon (I’m assuming since I’ve never done one) as in my 5K races, we fix our eyes on someone ahead of us, someone to pace with (or maybe as a goal to outrun). So fixing my eyes on Jesus means – He is at the pace I want to be, so I know I need to do as He does to finish well.

While the race is my own I’m not alone – which I’m thankful for. There are others racing with me – some are faster and some slower. As I race, there are those using me for a pace. I will pass some and they may pass me – we all set our own pace and slow down or speed up as the track allows. Some start off by running hard and slowing down once they are out of the crowd. Some start slow and find their burst when needed. Some take a steady pace for the whole race.

We all walk or run as individuals but with a group of people around us – for help, encouragement, instruction, motivation.

And then there’s the crowd. Believe me, when you’re ready to quit and someone (usually a stranger who sees my name on the bib) shouts out “Way to go, Susan!” or “You’re almost there!” or other encouraging words, it makes me perk up, smile, and continue the effort with a straighter back and determination not to let them down.

We have a great crowd of witnesses cheering us on, encouraging us, hoping for us to finish strong.

Let us not disappoint them with a lackluster attempt or a limp across the finish line. But let us see that finish line in the distance and find the extra burst of energy to finish strong.

In 5K’s, there is usually a camera taking your picture as you finish, so we attempt to stand straighter and sprint over the line, even if we were dragging along right before!

My sister always seemed to know where the photographers were along the route. In our random pictures she always looks so happy and bouncy and I look like I’m pulling a semi behind me.

Run hard today my dear friends.
I’ll be right behind you (or maybe in front for a time)
but I’ll be lifting you up for sure!

Thank you, Susan, for giving me permission to share your encouraging words here. May they bless someone today!