Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith… – Hebrews 12:1-2

Okay. To be clear, this is not another cycling post. These words were simply triggered by a thought that occurred to me while cycling yesterday. It could be argued of course that it was because all that oxygen was being forced into my brain, thereby increasing productive thinking, and absolutely because I was on a bike.

What I am thinking about is the fact that for me speed is not so much an issue but stamina undoubtedly is. This is not surprising considering my history as an athlete. In high school I was the fastest teenager in the southeast of England, but that only held through 200 meters. I ran 100 in eleven-seconds and 200 in twenty-three point something. But I slowed down considerably when the distance approached 400 and by 800 meters I was no longer competitive.

This is the “fast out of the blocks” syndrome (except that I ran on grass and never used blocks – but you know what I mean!). It’s the idea that initial enthusiasm often carries the beginnings of an idea or a project but then people fall by the wayside when it gets challenging.

My sense of what God wants from me is more along the lines of patience and commitment and faithfulness and staying in the race. What my spiritual life needs right now is stamina, not speed.

I believe God appreciates my enthusiasm but most of all God wants me to see it through. Seventy years into the journey I am getting a sense of the long game.

So on Wednesday’s ride I averaged 17-mph over the first ten miles. That felt like a noteworthy achievement until I realized I was still five miles from Tarboro. Fast wasn’t going to get me home but stamina would.

I love the words the thesaurus offers around stamina – especially when I think about things like raising children, growing a church, building community, marriage, restoring a house, my work as a school teacher, living a life, gardening, effecting positive change, writing a book… and so much more.

Stamina: staying power, indefatigability, tirelessness, resilience, fortitude, strength, vigor, energy, steadfastness, toughness, determination, tenacity, perseverance, grit….

Undaunted, indomitable:

Wednesday I stopped for a hydration break at ten miles, and before 30-seconds had passed I noticed several vultures appear out of nowhere and begin to circle my position! Did they know something I didn’t? Or were they just hopeful? More likely it was a coincidence and there was something sparking their interest beyond the hedgerow.

Regardless, I took their meaning. But the birds needn’t have concerned themselves because I am stronger than I was a few months ago. In fact, everything that is important to me, from family to church to creativity to this unique and amazing country, whatever fatigue or setback or sense of overwhelm we are facing – be assured that along with stamina God gives us this indomitable spirit and the dogged belief that goes with it.

Be comforted by the implications of that gift – we may not always be fast, y’all, but we are absolutely going to make it home. – DEREK