Finish.
by Kesa Ennen
If I had a dollar for every time someone told me they would only run if something were chasing them, or that I’m crazy for running, I could fund my race entry fees for life. And honestly, there was a time I would have agreed. I didn’t always enjoy running. But I kept going.
The Bible refers to running a race in several places, and while those references speak about our spiritual journey, now that I’ve spent time as a runner, I understand them more deeply. There are so many parallels between a physical foot race and the spiritual race we are called to run.
One of the biggest parallels is this: running is hard, and so is our spiritual walk.
There are times during training and in the Christian life when your mind tells you that you can’t go any further. But, then your body shows up. You take another step. You finish another mile. You realize that you CAN do hard things because our Creator designed us with the strength we sometimes don’t know we have. God never promised life would be easy, but every time I push past what feels impossible, I’m reminded that He equips us for the hard things He calls us to. “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1, NKJV).
Running has also taught me to believe in myself and take my thoughts captive.
Sometimes at the starting line, doubts creep in. What if I can’t finish? What if the course is harder than I expected? What if I can’t handle this unexpected weather? The mental chatter can get loud. But once the race begins, your body does what you’ve trained it to do. It remembers the hard work you put in and proves that fear doesn’t get the final say. Spiritually, it’s the same. We train our minds and hearts to trust God, to silence the lies and lean into everything we’ve learned through the study of His Word.
Another parallel is that every runner has to run their own race.
No one can run your race for you. This mirrors our spiritual journey so closely. Paul reminds us to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12, NKJV), and in 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NKJV) he challenges us to “run in such a way that you may obtain the prize.” We don’t run to impress someone or keep up with their pace. We run because God has called us to a path that is uniquely ours.
Even though our race is personal, we want to share it. There’s joy in inviting others into the experience. I never force anyone to run with me, but they are always welcome to join. Some of my favorite memories are running races with my kids or friends. We celebrate the finish line together, no competition or comparison. Just joy. That’s the beauty of community – both in running and in faith. It’s not about who is faster, stronger, or in a better season. It’s about encouraging one another, cheering each other on, and celebrating that we showed up. “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24, NIV).
How do we tie this all together?
I have a plaque on my wall that says Finish. Finish your race. There will be seasons that are fun and joyful, and seasons that require a lot of grit and grace. But keep going. As Philippians 3:14 (NKJV) says, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Do it alone. Do it with others. Keep doing it.
Acts 20:24 (NIV) says, “My only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me…with joy.” That’s the heart of the race on the road and the race in our spirit. When your focus stays on the One who guides your steps, you will find joy in the journey, mile after mile, season after season, until you cross your finish line.
Kesa Ennen is an accomplished executive assistant at Prep Communications where she excels in providing high-level administrative support and streamlining operations. Kesa joined Prep after work in health care settings and serving in executive support roles with Allobee, The Riveter, and designer Rebecca Minkoff. Kesa holds a BBA from Stephen F. Austin State University and an MBA from LeTourneau University. She and her husband are raising three kids in the Lone Star State.
