Keep Looking Up: Why Your Focus Changes Everything
Eliud Kipchoge is one of the most famous runners of our time. He is well-known for accomplishing what many thought would be nearly impossible in the current world: running a sub-two-hour marathon.
What is a key part of a runner’s success? Having proper form.
If you look at Eliud, one of the most prominent aspects of his form is that he always looks up when he runs. He sets his gaze straight ahead, rarely looking down. Instead, his focus is on where he is going.
Running while looking down cuts off vital oxygen, which slows the runner down.[1] In contrast, a person who keeps their eyes on what is ahead preserves more oxygen, leading to improved performance as they run at a much faster pace.
While I was reading this, it reminded me of how life can sometimes be. It illustrates a biblical lesson and applies directly to each of us.
We are called to keep looking up.
Hebrews 12:1 states:
“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”
This instruction honours God, as it brings the sacrifice and love of God into focus. It calls us to cast aside the temporary things of this world in exchange for the eternal.
It also serves as a very practical reminder for our well-being. There are many reasons that we might hold our heads down metaphorically.
It could be because of shame from our past, causing us to focus on ourselves rather than the mercy of God. Maybe we are dwelling on how hard life has been up to this point or wondering how we will find the strength to keep going.
God does not want us stuck in a past that He has already redeemed. And He has not left us to handle this life on our own strength or even through our own willpower.
The enemy would love for us to walk around with our heads looking down and forget why we even started this race. He would be thrilled for us to lose focus and forget what we are running toward. Because he knows that if we choose to dwell on these things, our energy will be depleted.
But the Bible says that when we focus on the One who saved us and trust in Him who has given us His promises, we are given strength to keep going (Isaiah 40:31)
The author of Hebrews continues:
“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 12:2-3)
When we focus on Jesus and the depth of His love that was demonstrated on the cross, it puts the reason we are running the race into perspective.
For those who acknowledge Him as their Saviour, there is an eternal hope that renews our soul.
This is our focus.
And one day, we will see Him face to face.
Everything will be made new, and the pain of running this race, the hours of training, and the lessons that we have learned along the way, will all be worth it when we enter those gates.
But until that day, we can worship Him from here as we keep going. We can enjoy our relationship with Him from here and tell others of the hope we have been given. Our eternal life begins when we accept Christ, and we are invited to glorify and enjoy Him forever.
As we run, God has promised the Holy Spirit to help us endure, to be our comfort, guide, and strength (John 14:16-18)
If you are feeling tired or in pain from running the race of life, I pray that you don’t lose heart but rest in the hope that is before you.
Even when we cannot see the finish line yet, we know it is coming. So let’s keep running, with our eyes looking straight ahead to God’s promises.
Blessings,
[1] Munson, Marty. “5 Bad Running Habits and How to Break Them.” ACTIVE.com. Active.com, September 27, 2016. https://www.active.com/articles/5-bad-running-habits-and-how-to-break-them/slide-2.