Born to Endure
On November 23, the best runners in the country vied for the NCAA cross-country championship in Terre Haute, Indiana. Foundry Church’s very own Hannah Tranby competed with her George Fox University teammates, helping her fellow Bruins secure a 21st place finish out of the top 32 Division III schools in the nation.
Endurance running is a unique sport. It is simple, practical, and almost anyone can participate, even at a very old age. Christopher McDougall famously claimed in his book, Born to Run, that humans can run farther for longer than any member of the animal kingdom.
Until a year ago, I doubted that I was fully human because the farthest I had ever run barely exceeded the distance I could throw a rock. Around Bend, throw a rock and you’ll likely hit an ultra-marathoner (one who thinks a 26.2 mile run too easy). In God’s providence, I’ve been surrounded by several accomplished runners who have welcomed me into their tribe as long as I don’t throw rocks at them.
Several of these good friends torture me every Tuesday at 6 am. We run five miles at a pace beyond my comfort-level, and this routine has caused me to reflect on the suffering and perseverance we are called to exhibit as followers of Christ.
The Greek word hupomoné and its variants are used 17 times in the New Testament, translated in a variety of ways: perseverance, patience, staying, steadfastness, and endurance. It implies an active, willing, and constant effort when facing trials. In scripture, perseverance is presented as the proper response of believers in the face of persecution and suffering. By enduring, we are promised blessing (Jas 1:12) and salvation (Matt 24:13). It is the model presented by Jesus, who, for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning its shame (Heb 12:2).
And like the original hearers of Hebrews, I am also surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses”, those who demonstrate endurance so that I might follow in their steps. My friend Joel, for one, faces his looming death with incredible grace. At the time of this writing, Joel sits at St. Charles in palliative care praying for and blessing everyone who crosses his path. Because of the joy set before him, he is able to face trials with Christlike perseverance.
I am blessed to be surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses on my Tuesday morning runs. These men demonstrate endurance, not just in their running, but in their walk with Jesus. They understand the benefits of pushing through hardship. Each of them sets a godly example in the way they love those around them, persevere in their jobs, and serve in the church.
I also have a friend who doesn’t run with us, but he demonstrates hupomoné better than anyone I know. He has endured unthinkable tragedy while also handling his daily trials with astonishing grace. He humbly serves, encourages, loves, and cares for those around him while always finding a way to spend time with one more fellow struggler.
And I hope the success of his remarkable daughter at the NCAA championships reminds him of the endurance of Christ. We are born to endure, but it never feels natural. The pain of perseverance reminds us our home is not on this earth but rather in paradise with Jesus. Christ, even as he was crucified, assured the most pitiful sinner that he would get to run with him eternally on the other side of the struggle. Meanwhile, may we all endure the race with Jesus as our guide, our helper, and our friend.
