We saw a film about a group that climbed Mount Everest. They had to guard against ice towers that tumbled without warning, coughing spells that cracked ribs, and freezing hurricane-force winds. They had to react instantly to the slightest faltering to keep themselves from hurtling down icy slopes. We need that kind of vigilance as we guard our hearts from the sin that so easily entangles: compromising with the culture; making this world our home; loving the gift more than the Giver.

If we were helicoptered to the top of Mount Everest, we would die because our bodies would not have become gradually strengthened for the special conditions at the height. As climbers claw their way up the slope, their bodies adjust, producing more red blood cells to provide the necessary oxygen. Our suffering may have a similar acclimatizing effect of strengthening us to take in the wonders of a God too wonderful for our weak hearts to grasp before we reach the mountaintop.

In another story, Christian crawled up the Hill of Difficulty, only to face snarling lions on either side of his path. He was tempted to retreat, but supportive words from Porter bolstered Christian to soldier on. The lions may be growling, but God’s Word fuels our courage. Palace Beautiful sits atop our mountain, so we press on toward the King of the hill.

When Chuck preached on Hebrews 12:1, he burdened himself with bulky items for every contingency: a huge book labeled Running for Dummies in case he forgot any of its tips; a hat, gloves, boots, and heavy coat in case of cold; a backpack full of snacks in case he got hungry; a gallon jug of water. Somehow, while preaching in American Sign Language, he managed to hold an open umbrella, in case of rain. Then he laid aside every weight to run his race with endurance” (Hebrews 12:1).

Is there something you need to count as loss today, in light of the gain of Christ (Philippians 3:7-8) in order to run your race?

“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).