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我是个长跑运动员，所以，我对这些经文产生了共鸣。神为我们作的奔跑的类比，我个人很理解。

作为基督徒，神鼓励我们脱去任何阻碍我们跑好比赛的事物。我们需要脱去缠累我们的罪。我们跑的时候，得意识到这是一场马拉松，而不是冲刺跑。这不是几分钟能结束的事。

长跑时，你很容易因为离终点很远而灰心丧气。通常情况下，你在自己的位置甚至看不见终点在哪里。你需要定睛于眼前的路面。如果你开始灰心，看别的地方，就会慢下来，你开始怀疑自己是否能跑完，你开始纠结。

但当你一直期待比赛结束，你就会保持专注。神鼓励我们“存心忍耐……仰望……耶稣。”祂是为我们信心创始成终的那一位。祂是为我们受苦和受死的那一位。(参来 12:1-2)

每当你感到灰心丧气——感觉自己想要放弃时——要仰望耶稣。祂会给你力量，跑完那摆在你前头的路程。

I am a long-distance runner, so these verses resonate with me. The analogy of running the race that God has marked out for us is something I can relate to personally.

As Christians, we are encouraged to get rid of whatever is hindering us from running a good race. We need to get rid of the sin that slows us down. As we run, we have to recognize that it is a marathon and not a sprint. It is not something that will be over in a few short minutes.

When you are running a long distance, it is easy to get discouraged and frustrated that you are nowhere near the finish line. Often you cannot even see the finish line from where you are. But as a runner, you need to keep your eyes on the road ahead. When you start to get discouraged and look elsewhere, you slow down, you begin to doubt you can finish, and you begin to struggle.

But when you keep looking forward to the finish, you remain focused. We are encouraged to “run with perseverance . . . fixing our eyes on Jesus.” He is the one who has perfected our faith. He is the one who suffered and died for us.

Whenever you get discouraged or frustrated—feeling like you want to quit—fix your eyes on Jesus. He will give you the strength to finish the race that is marked out for you.