CONNECTING POINT: Running Blind

Marla Runyan is an American athlete and former Olympian distance runner; her life story is remarkable. She was the first legally blind athlete to compete in the Olympics, placing 8th in the 2000 1500m Sydney Games. However, her physical impairment didn’t stop her from reaching goals or pursuing a dream. Her self-described running strategy was to be “Focused on the blob of bodies ahead of her, to try and get in front of the blob.”

Most of us are fortunate to have most of our faculties; in fact, you’re reading this article and are not blind. My eyesight has changed or diminished with age; I’ve graduated to tri-focal glasses in recent years. Still, I’m grateful to still have relatively decent eyesight while others don’t have the luxury.

Faith in Christ can be described as a race, a rather arduous or challenging decision we must accept or reject. Some suggest that “faith is blind “and to some extent I would agree with this sentiment, however, Christianity isn’t blind to facts or reason. I would contend that solid faith in Jesus results from exploring reason and examining facts. Historical evidence of Jesus is undeniable. His claims and teachings are what’s in question. Christians affirm the claims of Jesus, who established doctrines for everyday life. Our commitment to faith is to be steadfast, considering the obstacles any of us face. Kyle Idleman says, “The race isn’t always to the swift; sometimes it goes to those who just simply refuse to quit.” Life certainly has its challenges, but the key for any Christian is never to quit and trust Jesus in every circumstance.

Kyle shares two insights as to why some quit on their journey of following Christ: First, some give up running the race because they underestimate the importance of taking one day at a time. I often emphasize that following Jesus is not a sprint but a marathon; this understanding helps one to see the bigger picture. Our faith involves daily disciplines, including personal prayer, Bible study, and application, expressing thanksgiving and praise to God, showing generosity to others, etc. We must be intentional and take each day as it comes.

Second, failure to focus on the next step because of adopting a mindset that it’s too late now. Regret and fear are formidable hurdles that can trip any person up. A person can “freeze” or be paralyzed, which brings forward motion to a halt, impeding progress.

The writer of Hebrews says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart,” (Hebrews 12:1-3). Another critical point is found in verse 3: Christians are to consider the example of Jesus; He did not quit! Jesus was certainly opposed, even by those adorned in “religious garb,” yet inwardly they were ferocious wolves.

If you are weary or even have lost your heart, take a moment in the race to rest and regain a proper perspective. Life seldom goes as planned, but this is the path of following Jesus. The race is worth any hardship when we keep Jesus the “perfecter” in focus.