From Ashes to Glory: Running the Race of Resurrection

The runner's legs throbbed with fatigue, yet the finish line loomed just ahead. Each muscle protested with every stride, each breath felt laborious, but an inner drive urged her onward with unwavering determination. She had poured her heart and soul into this moment, sacrificing countless hours of training and discipline to achieve this goal. All that effort had led her to this very point, and now, with one final surge of energy, she crossed the finish line—not merely to complete the race, but to claim the victory that she had fought so hard to achieve.

Lent can be seen as our spiritual marathon, a season dedicated to discipline, introspection, and resilience. For weeks, we have engaged in fasting, prayer, and the quest for spiritual renewal, all aimed at deepening our communion with God. This season is a call to examine our hearts, to reflect on our lives, and to draw closer to our Creator. Now, as the final days of Lent approach, our destination comes into clear focus: the empty tomb awaiting us.

John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, frequently articulated the concept of sanctification as a race toward holiness—an ongoing journey of being perfected in love. He stated, “The path of true holiness is not by the law, but by the gospel; it is not by striving to be good, but by making us good.” This profound insight emphasizes that salvation is not solely about avoiding sin; it is about a transformative process into the likeness of Christ. Just as a runner does not cease training after crossing the finish line of a single race, Easter does not signify the culmination of our faith; rather, it serves as a powerful launching pad into a life fueled by resurrection and purpose.

As we approach the third Sunday of April, we will joyfully proclaim, “Christ is risen!” But how will we embody that truth beyond the celebration of Easter morning? Will we continue our journey, striving toward holiness and deeper faith? Will we allow the resurrection to propel us into lives marked by love, justice, and bold faith, embodying the grace and mercy that Christ demonstrated?

As we prepare to transition from the reflective season of Lent into the joyous celebration of Easter, may we remain steadfast and not grow weary. The victory of Christ serves as our endless source of strength, and the Holy Spirit guides us along the way. Let us rise with Him, running the race with perseverance, finishing strong, and pressing on toward the perfection that God desires for each of us. In this race, we are not alone; we are part of a community bound together by love, striving together towards a shared vision of hope and renewal. In this shared journey, may we all work toward not only our own growth but also lift each other up, encouraging one another to run this spiritual marathon with grace and determination.