Hebrews 12: 1b-2a
And let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us. Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also it’s Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection].

As a runner I know from experience how hard it can be to run up hill, especially in a race. I’ve learned that when running hills, you must not focus on how much farther you must climb to finish; you must instead concentrate on your present stride, one step at a time. When you look too far ahead, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with negative thoughts such as: I’m not going to be able to finish; this is too long; I’m too tired and weary; I can’t keep going; I’m exhausted; this is too hard!
As a Christian, I know from experience how difficult it can be to “run up the hill” of hard, trying times. Like a runner, Christians struggle to keep going. We want to believe and trust that God will see us through to a higher, better place, but our persistent, negative thoughts engender spiritual and emotional defeat.
However, God has directions for us that will lead us to victory, no matter how tough the times get. We are told to run with patient endurance and steady, active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us. We must trust God one step at a time and not get too far ahead of today. It is God’s design to use the challenging times of uphill battles in our lives to create in us an enduring, uncomplaining and tolerant spirit. He is at work to make us stable and give us the perseverance we need to continue on toward spiritual maturity, one step at a time.
As we look to Jesus and look away from all that will distract – worry, fear, doubt, and negative thoughts- He will bring our faith to maturity and perfection as we find victory over our struggles. It’s amazing, and comforting to know God will bring good out of our “up hill” battles!