"Do you not know
that in a race all the runners run,
but only one receives the prize?
So run that you may obtain it."
I Corinthians 9:24
". . . and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,"
Hebrews 12:1b
Kareling eyes were dripping with tears. The horse that she had climbed upon was running so fast that the wind stung her eyes making them water. But the truth of it was that she had just witnessed her beloved grandfather and grandmother succumb to the machinations of the enemy. Her home of so many years was going up in flames and she was fleeing for her life. The young girl had no answers and nothing to go back to. What was once a beautiful day of singing and worship the day before had turned into a nightmare in the morning. No songs were coming to her mind as was her custom at any given moment of the day. Just a deep anguishing sob that was rising in her chest ready to spill out soon.
Her grandpapa had told to her ride as fast as she could to the castle. Kareling wasn't even sure if the horse she was riding was going in the right direction. Things had happened so fast as soon as she had climbed up upon that beautiful animal. So, here she was, riding faster that she had ever gone before trusting that the horse would bring her to safety.
Where she was going was the least of her worries. Kareling had taken a moment to look back at her home on fire only to see a small band of enemy see her flee. She had no doubt that they would follow and try to over take her. In and out of the trees, back and forth she rode hoping to throw them off her track. Every time she thought she heard something her ride would seemingly put in more and her speed would increase. Had she just been in on one of her riding lessons this ride would be thrilling/terrifying to say the least. But in this moment she could only be glad that her horse was fast and sensed danger too.
The chase went for some time. Kareling's fingers were going numb from holding on so tight to the mane of the horse. She was starting to realize and fear that her strength was waining. "Hold on, don't let go" she reminded herself. Her legs were cramping now from the sheer pressure that she was using them to cling to the horse. She couldn't give in to her body weakening. And then just as she thought it was over she heard music. Kareling wondered if she was loosing her mind because it wasn't coming from her. No, the music was coming from up ahead of her. A gentle wooing that seemed to ease her burden.
"Afflicted saint, to Christ draw near, Your Savior's gracious promise hear,
His faithful Word, you can believe, that as your days your strength shall be.
So, sing with joy, afflicted one;
the battle's fierce, but the victory's won;
God shall supply all that you need.
Yes, as your days your strength shall be.
Your faith is weak, your foes are strong, and if the conflict should be long.
the Lord will make the tempter flee, that as your days your strength shall be.
So, sing with joy, afflicted one;
the battle's fierce, but the victory's won;
God shall supply all that you need.
Yes, as your days your strength shall be.
Should persecution rage and flame, still trust in your Redeemer's name;
in fiery trials you shall see, that as your days your strength shall be.
So, sing with joy, afflicted one;
the battle's fierce, but the victory's won;
God shall supply all that you need.
Yes, as your days your strength shall be.
When called to bear your weighty cross, or sore affliction, pain, or loss,
or deep distress or poverty, still as your days your strength shall be.
So, sing with joy, afflicted one;
the battle's fierce, but the victory's won;
God shall supply all that you need.
Yes, as your days your strength shall be."
Sweet, sweet music seeped into Kareling's soul. She forgot about her numb fingers and the cramping in her legs. All she wanted now was to go to the music, hear more of the music and be part of the music. No longer was she afraid of what was behind her that would try to take her life. She looked forward, striving with her horse toward a better goal. One with hope and comfort that would ease her troubled heart.
It wasn't surprising then, when coming out of the trees, that the castle was before them. Large and magnificent it was. Those on the castle walls could see Kareling from a far off racing towards them. The gates were opened and troops ran to meet her ushering her into the safety of the Kingdom.
It was then Kareling could let go of her ride with a huge hug and fall into the arms of the healers.
*The idea of endurance often reflects the idea of pulling oneself up by their own bootstraps. Whereas it is a good thing to be strong and healthy there are times in our lives when we are not. And the truth of it is this ~ we are frail human beings. We need a Savior. With Him we are strong and only with Him.
