” 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” (Hebrews 12:1, NIV).

     O.K. You are not experiencing déjà vu. The passage I have cited above is the same verse I talked about yesterday. Yet a thought came to me as I penned Wednesday’s devotion. It’s funny how one can read the same piece of Scripture ninety-nine times over, then on the hundredth attempt see something completely new.

     Here’s what I mean. It finally dawned on me that Paul utilized the plural forms of the words I and me. Paul indicates that the Christian journey is one we do not take alone. Instead, “WE are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses.” Paul challenges US to “run with perseverance the race marked out for US.” The virtue of persevering is not a solo act. Here’s why.

     I came across a blog written by Alden Mills. Alden is a former Navy Seal. During hell week, candidates spend a lot of time in the water. Oftentimes, they are required to run for miles in wet, sandy shorts. Unfortunately, the skin between the candidates’ legs chafe causing and can cause severe burns.

     Alden tells about an occasion that a teammate was going to ring the bell and drop out because of the excruciating pain he felt around his inner thighs. Here’s a brief excerpt from their conversation:

         He looked at me and said, “Sir, when I walk out of the bathroom I’m going to quit—I just want you to
         know.” I said something along the lines of “Really? I’m thinking of quitting too!” He looked at me in
         shock and responded with, “Really, sir—you’re gonna quit too?”

         I replied, “Hey, take a look in the mirror—look at us. We look like two old men standing hunched over.
         I don’t know about you, but I sure feel like one!” We laughed … then I grabbed him by both arms, made him look

         me in the eyes, and said, “Tell you what, just make it to the sunrise before you leave us—deal?” I suspect he                   could see my pain. I’m certain my tears were visible—he knew I was hurting too. He agreed, and I’m sure glad he           did because that young man went on to be the Honor Man of our class.

Pain is a powerful motivator. Our temptation to quit when the grind becomes taxing can overwhelm our desire to succeed.

     Perseverance though is what sets the finishers apart from the quitters. Perseverance requires grit—an unwillingness to relent in the face of a daunting challenge. Perseverance is the drive to “grind it out” as the going becomes more difficult.

     Yet there’s more to perseverance than sheer determination. Perseverance also requires “WE and US.” We need one another to lean upon. We require an inspiring word in those moments when we question whether we can continue moving ahead. Sometimes, we need someone like Alden Mills to care about us enough to ask that we delay ringing the bell until we’ve had more time to consider
our decision.

So, my friend, whatever path you are on, be encouraged. Don’t give in to despair or give up
in defeat too quickly. Remember, you do not go alone. Together with the Spirit of Christ, WE, the
Body of Christ, are running the same journey with you.