The Long Race

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

─ 1 Thessalonians 5:11

As long-distance runners draw closer to the end of a race, their legs ache, their throats burn and their breathing is labored. They’re covered in sweat, and their entire bodies are begging them to stop! That’s when the cheering section is most valuable. Encouragement from friends, family and fans of the sport can help them push through the pain and ignore the internal voices shouting every reason to quit.

When we join the family of Christ, we begin a long-distance race. This world gives us every opportunity to give up and provides more temptation than we can even imagine. Jesus promised that in this world we will have trouble. But He also said that He overcame the world (John 16:33).

It’s important to do life with those who share our faith. We build one another up by being there to listen, support, encourage and share in the joys of seeing our faith fulfilled. Temptations throughout our culture and persecution of our faith require encouragement and support.

We need our brothers and sisters in Christ. All of us! An encouraging word offered at the right moment can be the difference between finishing strong and collapsing along the way.

Today’s One Thing

Ask the Lord to help you become more sensitive to those around you. Offer a listening ear, supportive words or small acts of kindness to someone today.

Receive Devotionals like This in Your Email