Today I had the awesome privilege of encouraging runners and walkers at the Run For Courage around Lake Merritt. It surprised me how people responded to the simplest phrases – Keep smiling, you got this, keep breathing, keep moving it’s worth it.
Encouragement is contagious. Other people who weren’t even part of today’s race were encouraged by my words as they ran by. They smiled back at me and said nice things. It spread beyond the course. One man joined the pack just to be encouraged. You should have seen all the smiles and high fives I got. I, not only offered but, received encouragement in return.
Isn’t it incredible how a few words of support can make you can run harder, faster, and farther than you ever believed possible. You tend to dig deeper, even smile through the pain as long as there is someone there to say, “I believe in you.”
I started thinking about Hebrews 12:1 and how it says, “We are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses.” I’ve always imagined what they might be saying to us – Hang in there. You can make it. They’ve already made it. They know what it takes to run this race. Their stories let us know that it’s not about perfection, or strength, or sophistication, but faith, trust, and perseverance.
Your words have power (Proverbs 18:21). Use them to build up someone else (Ephesians 4:29). And no matter where you are in this race, whether you’re walking or running, stay the course. Keep going. Make it to the end. It counts!
Truth & Freedom Ministries 