"We Run...Because We Have Hope"

Several years ago, an experiment on endurance was conducted at the University of California at Berkeley. The experiment involved placing Norwegian field rats in a tub of water, where they were forced to swim until they grew exhausted and finally drowned. During the first experiment, the researchers discovered that on the average, these rats were capable of swimming for over seven hours before drowning.

A second experiment was conducted, exactly like the first but with one exception. This time, when a rat was getting too exhausted to swim any longer, the researchers would remove the rat from the tub of water for a few seconds, then put the rat back into the water to continue swimming. These rats were able to swim for almost 20 hours before perishing.

The researchers concluded that the rats in the second group were able to swim so much longer than the first group because of one factor: they had HOPE. They had experienced a rescue---and what kept them going was the HOPE that they would be rescued again.

We, as Christians have, also, experienced a rescue. We were rescued from certain death…eternal, spiritual death…by the greatest sacrifice that has ever been made. That of Jesus Christ shedding His blood on the cross for you and for me. And so we have hope. "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil," (Hebrews 6:19)

So we can endure, just like those rats, because of that hope. We often faint and grow weary, but we should always remember that we cannot lose hope, because it is with us as long as we continue to run the race. "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." (Galatians 6:9)