Staying thirsty, my friends? You are one of most interesting people in the world

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, ...

-Hebrews 12:1 NIV

If you haven't heard it yet, you'll hear about it soon: The most interesting man in the world will become the most interesting man in two worlds. He's heading to Mars on a one-way trip.

Check out the commercial, then re-read the verse from Hebrews:

'Testing of your faith produces perseverance'

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

-James 1:2-3

Trials come in lots of varieties and sizes. Recently, our home has been hit by harassment and vandalism by unknown people. It started with late-night doorbell ringing and escalated to tomato-throwing at our garage and front doors a few days ago. It happens off and on, sometimes as long as two weeks without incident.

Especially after we cleaned up smashed tomatoes off our doors in the middle of the night, I've had a lot of uncharitable thoughts about the culprits and have sat up late more than once.

After reading these verses from James, perhaps I need to adjust my attitude. So I've pledged myself that I will pray daily for the vandals.

Will it stop? I don't know. Will I still stay up late occasionally? Probably. Should they still held accountable? Yes.

Will testing my faith help me produce perseverance? Yes. And that's what it's about.

Story of recovery and perseverance...

After reading this article about a Boise athlete not letting stroke keep him from his dreams,all I can say is - amazing recovery and an admirable example of determination. Reminds me of:

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, ...

 -Hebrews 12:1

An excerpt from the article:

That person is 34-year-old Justin Shields. The Four Summit Challenge will be the longest bike ride he’s ever done. For some, it may not seem like much of an accomplishment, but for Shields, it’s the culmination of years of hard work. In February 2008, a stroke would test Shields' limits, both physically and mentally. ...

Shields' recovery was long. He spent a month in the hospital, one week in the intensive care unit as well as countless hours in rehabilitation. He had to learn to do everything over again, from walking to talking.

“I didn't want to live without the use of my body, so that was really a motivating factor for me to continue on and overcome the obstacles,” said Shields.

But, Shields said some days are easier than others.

“There have been some bad days, I must admit, but for the most part I just look past them as I'll have to go through those periods of frustration in order to achieve my goal,” he said.

Two years after his stroke, Shields is once again working on realizing his dream of being an Ironman Triathlete.

'Blessed is the one who perseveres'

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

-James 1:12

The book of James is one my faves. It's chocked full of practical advice on how to handle day-to-day issues - but always with a higher goal than just getting through a single day.

How many times are people - including you and me - "under trial." Work issues. Health. Money. Home  Family. It's tempting to give up. James reminds us that God will help you persevere and stand the test of the moment - because he stands with you far past the moment.


James 1:12 from Jeff Porter on Vimeo.

'Testing of your faith develops perseverance'

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

-James 1:2-3

"Faith." "Perseverance." "Joy."

Often, those are not words that are easy for those recovering from a stroke or those witnessing a loved one struggling. Such trials can indeed cause suffering and cannot be made light of. Of those without faith, words like "joy" are often taken lightly, but in the context of James, "joy" isn't used flippantly. Not transient, fleeting, human-generated joy - but joy that surpasses every pleasure in this life.

Keep your fellow stroke survivors or loved ones in your prayers - for faith leading to perseverance leading to joy.

Running the daily race with perseverance

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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him 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 sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

-Hebrews 12:1-3

"[L]et us run with perseverance" is good advice in all pursuits, but especially in pursuits of faith. But the writer of Hebrews didn't stop there - we need to have some goals and aims, too, so the writer added "the race marked out for us."

Photo below shows my recent finish, along with one of my daughters, of the Bass Pro Shops Conservation Marathon in Springfield, Mo. That was the race marked out that day. But one day - an actual race or not - is just a part of the entire races marked out for us all.

The "cloud of witnesses" the writer refers are all the historical figures who had come before, listed in Hebrews 11 as examples of lives that Christians should attempt to emulate, all designated as lives lived "by faith."

Stroke survivors, caregivers and loved ones often have difficult races marked out. Faith and the support of fellow believers can make a real difference. No surprise for those with faith, and for outside evidence, there's an American Heart Association article.

So, "by faith," are we running our races with perseverance, following the marks? And supporting those who are running the race of stroke recovery?