Negative Split

(Dedicated to the heroes of the faith: those who, when knocked down, continue to find a way back up. Those whose knees have grown weak, bodies frail, and hair has turned to silver.  Thank you for the hope your lives exude as you maintain a steady gait and a dogged determination to never give up)

Breaking through the 50-year-old tape marker not too long ago got me thinking about races and life and how real life is a marathon we are all running with hopes of one day breaking the final tape marked Finish Line.  

Although no longer able to participate in my beloved sport of running and racing, I often relate to real life in runners terms—such as the term, negative split.

A negative split or the action of negative splitting is a racing strategy that involves completing the second half of a race faster than the first half. It is defined by the intentional setting of a slower initial pace, followed by either a gradual or sudden increase of speed towards the end of a race. (Wikipedia definition)

In my opinion, Hebrews 12:1 provides us with a beautiful picture of early disciple marathon runners (possibly negative splitting!): “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.” 

We are not told the behind the scenes narrative of each individual in this “cloud of witnesses,” but we learn something very telling of the character of these men and women: “the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith, yet NONE of them received what had been promised.” (Hebrews 11:38 & 39)

Life was not easy for our fellow brother’s and sister’s in Christ: “Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison.  They were stoned, they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated.” (vs. 36 & 37)

Although I do not personally know anyone who has faced the above mentioned unfathomable circumstances; with each passing year of my own life I am recognizing a deeper appreciation for those whom I do know who have endured great loss and suffered much pain.  Marathoners, if you will, whom are still staying the course.  Not living their lives for themselves, they are holding nothing back that might disqualify them from reaching the Finish Line.  They may not be running the second half of their race faster than the first half; but they are running it stronger.

Our heroes of the faith, both past and present, run with confidence and do not shrink back. 

A negative split requires perseverance, and faith to believe that with God’s strength, the latter part of our lives can be lived with more tenacity, fervor and determination than given on the front end. Such a race requires us to trust God that we will have enough left in the tank for a strong sprint to the finish.

Paul speaks with the wisdom of a seasoned athlete on how to run a strong race, “ But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward why is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:13 & 14)

Finally, every runner must learn the true secret to making it to the Finish Line—not training alone. It’s imperative that we train with a person who has ran more races, worn out more pairs of shoes, and stayed on the narrow path for the duration.  

Find yourself a living hero of the faith and let him or her help you on your own journey so you can break the tape as you cross from this life into eternity.  Oh, and don’t forget to thank your living hero of the faith for his or her life of perseverance, fortitude, and tenacity. 

Finish strong, fellow athletes.

Stay the Course…

Sheila