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Written by Administrator Thursday, 10 May 2007 10:48

Earlier this year USA Today (2/20/2007) reported an amazing story of perseverance and endurance. Three runners – Charlie Engle of the United States, Ray Zahab of Canada, and Kevin Lin of Taiwan – set out to race across the Sahara Desert. The journey would cover 4,000 miles passing through the countries of Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Libya, and Egypt.

Each morning these men would rise at 4 a.m. and begin running by five. Around noon they pause for something to eat and take a short nap. The day would end at 9:30 p.m. with a high protein, high carb dinner before collapsing on their cots for a few hours rest. This routine was repeated for 111 days. Running the equivalent of two marathons a day, these athletes endured incredible hardships. Temperatures would range from over 100 degrees in the mid-day heat to sub-freezing numbers at night. In addition, there were battles with windstorms, tendonitis, severe diarrhea and cramping. At times the men privately questioned their own sanity. One later said, “They say ignorance is bliss, and now that I know how hard this is, I would never consider crossing the Sahara on foot again.” But in spite of the difficulties and challenges, none of these men quit. They viewed their efforts as “a day-to-day battle to stay alive and keep moving.”

These men grabbed the headlines for a few brief moments, but there are many who “run” a demanding race on the ordinary paths of life. Their day-to-day battles are equally inspiring and commendable. For instance …

• The man who sticks with his job through good times and bad
• The couple who works at having a vibrant, growing relationship that is fulfilling and meaningful
• The patient who fights the odds against his diseased body
• The spouse who tirelessly and lovingly remains by the side of his or her mate through suffering
• The young person who lives for God in spite of the pressure from his or her peers
• The Christian who faithfully maintains the disciplines of the Word, prayer, witnessing and serving
• The teacher or Christian worker who continues to serve the Lord though fatigue or frustration may have set in
• The mother who continues to love and nurture her children day and night through the years

You can probably think of others that should be on that list. Have you taken time to thank them … encourage them … and honor them?

Certainly you, too, are in a position that demands perseverance and endurance on your part. Wherever God has placed you … whatever race you may be running … be faithful to the finish.