Keep Going

“Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet.” Hebrews 12:12-13a

One of the things that has kept me centered throughout the pandemic has been running. I don’t put in the distance I used to (I’m no spring chicken), but it’s important to me to get out three or four times a week. My routes have been slightly longer during the pandemic, however; not because I’m running different routes but because I’m constantly moving this way or that to create proper distance between myself and any other pedestrians. I’m still running, but I’ve stopped running in straight lines.

In running, this is fine. It’s kind of nice to add a tenth of a mile (or two) to a run. Bonus fitness! In life, such micro-detours can be frustrating. We want to get where we’re going! We should want to get where we’re going, for we seek justice and peace, mercy and grace. We seek life in its abundance for all people. This world keeps throwing up roadblocks. We’ve certainly seen that this week.

But this morning, as uncertain as everything is, is a morning of hope. Lift up your hands and strengthen your weak knees! Lift up your heads and strengthen your voices! God calls, and we have work to do. The obstacles will continue to be there. The forces of sin, death, and the devil (and all his minions) aren’t going away. But they are defeated. Christ leads us forward. Whatever the state of your actual knees, don’t be spiritually weak in the knees – keep going!

Be well, friends. You are loved.

God, give us endurance for the journey. Uphold us as we work for justice and peace in this world. Embolden us to speak as witnesses to the gospel. Clear obstacles from our paths, that we might run the race set before us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Image: Torsten, who hopes the Packers keep going all the way to the Super Bowl.