READ: ACTS 20:22-24; 1 CORINTHIANS 9:24-27; HEBREWS 12:1-3

Tau entered his coordinates into the dashboard computer, and his location popped up on the screen. He did some calculations and plotted the last leg of his flight. Only 1,312,569 more miles and he’d be home. He could see Earth in the distance, a miniature cobalt crescent.

He yawned and rubbed his tired eyes, then programmed in a new series of coordinates, and engaged autopilot. The Perseverance had been a reliable ship for his first Steel Bones Space Marathon, a biennial, interplanetary race. The craft was well-named, as the ever-changing route always encompassed at least five planets. He’d spent the last eight weeks alone in this tiny pressurized cabin. A cheeseburger and a hot shower had never sounded so good.

At fifteen, Tau was this year’s youngest contestant. He couldn’t hope to win against the field of more experienced flyers, but he had trained hard, preparing his mind and body for the rigors of the race. He hoped to finish within the qualifying time for membership in the prestigious Zenith Academy, where he could study space exploration. That prize had kept him well focused. And Jesus’s steady, loving presence had sustained him.

As he neared home, Earth’s beautiful blues and greens filled his windshield. He throttled down and adjusted his angle to reenter the atmosphere. As he did, the ban on communications lifted. His sister Jedda filled his screen.

“Tau, you did it!” she exclaimed. “You’re within five hours of the deadline!”

Tau grinned. The camera shifted and his parents appeared. “Tau, we’re so proud of you!” Mom shouted. Dad beamed his agreement, too choked up to speak.

Australia loomed large. Sydney came into view, and then the finish runway. The Perseverance’s wheels touched down. Tau taxied toward the terminal and disembarked into a huge crush of spectators. He gasped, recognizing friends, neighbors, and schoolmates. They were all shouting! Congratulating him! Welcoming him home!

With a wide grin, he embraced his family. The hard work and long weeks were suddenly forgotten. The sacrifices had all been worth it. • Michelle Isenhoff

• Today’s allegorical story is inspired by Bible passages that compare the Christian walk to a race. Hebrews 12:1-3 says we can persevere in this race—resisting sin, seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness, and “looking to Jesus”—because He has already persevered for us, on our behalf. Verse 3 says, “For the joy that was set before him [Jesus] endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” On the cross, Jesus was looking forward to what His death and resurrection would accomplish. He was looking forward to the joy of restoring us, His people, to Himself and restoring His creation! Why do you think Jesus calls us to keep our eyes on Him as we wait for His return? (Matthew 6:33; Romans 8:31-39; Revelation 21:1-5)

• In what areas of your life do you need perseverance and endurance today? Maybe your patience is wearing thin, or your struggle against a certain temptation is feeling more and more difficult, or you haven’t felt like reading the Bible or talking to God lately. Consider taking some time to tell Jesus about whatever comes to mind. You can be totally honest with Him—He already knows it all, and He is eager to show you His love and His help.

• In addition to talking to God, who are trusted Christians in your life you could talk to—people who will listen to you, pray with you, support you, and remind you of God’s steadfast love and forgiveness?

Therefore let’s also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 (WEB)