June 22: The Extraordinary Ones

“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 endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the Source and Perfecter of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

I love chapter 11 of the Book of Hebrews often referred to as “The Roll Call of Faith”. Biblical heroes like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Rahab and Moses are called to mind and held up as examples. As I read that passage a couple of things become clear. First, these “Heroes of the Faith” are the exception, not the rule; that’s why they stand out as unusual. Secondly, most of the heroes are "no-names". These “others” were faithful though imprisoned, flogged, stoned and sawed in two; people who gave everything for the faith, but their names were never recorded for history’s sake.

Heroes don’t have to be extraordinary, just faithful. Anyone who keeps their eyes fixed on Jesus and endures faithfully becomes extraordinary; a hero or heroine of the faith from whom others draw inspiration. Faithful endurance is extraordinary, the exception and not the rule.

The Christian life is more like a marathon than a sprint. Pastor Mike Stover tells the story of the 1986 New York City Marathon in which almost 20,000 runners entered the race. What is memorable is not who won, but who finished last. His name was Bob Wieland. He finished 19,413th—dead last. Bob completed the New York marathon in 4 days, 2 hours, 47 minutes, and 17 seconds. It was unquestionably the slowest marathon in history—ever.

So, what is it that made Bob Wieland’s marathon so special? Bob ran with his arms. 17 years earlier while in Vietnam, Bob’s legs were blown off in battle and he was pronounced DOA (Dead On Arrival). He uses his arms to catapult himself forward one arm-length at a time. He can run a mile in an hour. That is real endurance in the face of adversity.

Spiritual endurance is keeping the faith--staying the course--in the face of difficulty, temptation and persecution. Jesus said, “the person who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22)

Endurance, be it physical or spiritual, is the exception to the rule and always heroic. Whatever difficulty you are facing, look to Jesus and keep the faith.

~ Father, give me strength and endurance and help me stay close to you. Use me as an example to encourage others. Amen

P.S. Bob Wieland is a modern-day hero and motivational speaker. For more details and contact info go to www.fivestarspeakers.com/wieland