In 2018, Desiree Linden became the first U.S. woman to win the Boston Marathon in 33 years. She was just a year old when Lisa Larsen Weidenbach (both of them from Michigan) won it back in 1985.

Runners faced extreme cold, rain showers and strong winds. As they battled the elements they had to dig deep to keep running and continue to do it at a high level. In an interview after the race, Desi, as they call her, mentioned that she was used to running in such circumstances. Maybe the difference for her on the big day was that she went out for those cold wet training runs when others chose the safety of the gym.

Revelations 2:10b (NIV) Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.

In life, like in the marathon, faithfulness makes all the difference. Jesus achieved for us salvation on the cross. We have to place our faith in Him alone and remain faithful to him so as to receive life as our victor’s crown (see gold medal). This is eternal life, but also abundant life here and now. God, as our life coach, may send us through difficult circumstances in order to train us and make us ready to receive this prize. Let’s accept His instruction as a gift and thank Him for it.

But even if we fail, He remains faithful and will never leave us.

– Stephan van der Merwe

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