Let us run the race that is before us and never give up. - Hebrews 12:1 ICB

John Stephen Akhwari, a marathon runner from Tanzania, finished last at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. No last-place finisher in a marathon ever finished quite so last.

Injured along the way, he hobbled into the stadium more than an hour after the other runners had completed the race. Only a few spectators were left in the stands when Akhwari finally crossed the finish line. When asked why he continued to run despite the pain, Akhwari replied, “My country did not send me to Mexico City to start the race. They sent me here to finish.”

That’s a great attitude! The person who wrote the book of Hebrews says that there is a “race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1), and we are to keep running until we reach the finish line. You’ve started your race, so now keep on running.

Along the way, you may get a bit hobbled. Maybe have some problems or even some doubts. But God asks for you to keep going. Keep running for Jesus!

You’ve got a long road ahead. So make a pact with God that you’ll do your best for Him. And just keep going for Him on the race marked out for you.