Χριστός Ανέστη

The translation above is Christ is risen! This is a cause for joy and the foundation of the Christian faith. The historical account of the resurrection of Jesus is recorded in all four of the Gospels and is described by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15. In this chapter, Paul revealed the reality and significance of the resurrection for God’s people. This chapter reveals how God graciously revealed Himself to His followers and presents the hope of eternal life for His followers. In light of the resurrection, how should we live? Paul revealed the answer in the next verse:

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

We will face challenging days when our perseverance will be tested. We will be tempted to compromise our convictions. Those are the times when we must remain steadfast and immovable. We will also face days of drudgery and we may wonder if we’re making a difference. Those are the times that we must continue to abound in the work of the Lord. We can take heart during those difficult days, knowing that our toil is not in vain as we serve the Lord.

John Akhwari demonstrated perseverance as described in this verse. He was running the marathon for his country, Tanzania, in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. About half way through the race he fell, badly injuring his knee and shoulder, but he continued running. He finished last among the 57 competitors who completed the race (75 had started). The sun had already set as Akhwari, bloody and bruised, limped into the stadium and the crowd stood and cheered as he circled the track and crossed the finish line. When asked why he continued running with such a serious injury he responded, “My country did not send me 9,000 miles to start the race; but to finish the race.”

We must realize that our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall. Remember that the race is not always to the swift, but to those who keep on running.