PERSERVERING!

When preparing to teach Bible Study tomorrow night, I came up with the following example pertaining to running marathons---

Marathon running is all about enduring. First you must endure the training--long weeks of building up your mileage-no crowds cheering--sometimes horrible weather--irate motorist-injuries-blisters-you must endure it all before you even begin the race. Starting the race is very similar to starting a marriage---butterflies in your stomach--heart pounding-all smiles-READY TO GO! The first 3-5 miles are finding your rhythm-studying the terrain-setting your pace. At mile 10, you know you are well on your way and finally into double digits--still feeling good---but---At around mile 13, you realize--"Hey, I'm half-way---this is great--I'm doing great and THEN the thought hits you---I have this much more to go. Around mile 15-16---the work has started--you are aiming for that 20 mile mark. The miles from 18 or so on seem as if they MUST be marked wrong. I have to have run more than a mile! You finally hit 20 and the real race begins. It becomes-put one foot in front of the other--it is mostly a mental challenge now. There are parts of your body that are numb--you have aches-pains-blisters-chaffing--it becomes agony! You talk to yourself-you try to distract yourself-you just keep putting your feet down. The last 2-3 Miles find you vowing if you have to crawl--you will finish. And then GLORY you spot the finish line---there is a new bounce in your step--you have finished and hopefully you have finished well.

The Lord is the everlasting God,the Creator of the ends of the earth.He will not grow tired or weary,and his understanding no one can fathom.He gives strength to the wearyand increases the power of the weak.Even youths grow tired and weary,and young men stumble and fall;but those who hope in the Lordwill renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles;they will run and not grow weary,they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31