In the book of Hebrews there is a fascinating phrase. The writer says, "... let us run with patience the race that is set before us, our eyes fixed on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith ..." There’s an interesting antithesis here: run with patience. Just exactly how do you do that? When we run a foot race, we don’t want to be hampered by anything. The competitor throws off all restraints and eagerly thrusts forward to the goal, unencumbered except with a burning passion to finish first. Is there any such thing as being able to run with patience?

Definitely yes! Using a figure of speech from the races of the first century world, this verse says that life is like a long distance marathon, calling for good conditioning, proper strategy, and great endurance. Mental, physical, and spirit…