In rodeo, a winning ride requires a cowboy to stay on the back of a bucking bronco or raging bull for 8 seconds, giving rise to the classic phrase “8 Second Ride.” The Tour de France is presently underway. 21 grueling stages over 23 days. Possibly the greatest endurance sporting event in the world. After 15 stages and 62 hours of riding, the two leaders of the race are separated by only 10 seconds (out of 223,200 seconds!!).
The Word of God doesn’t speak of 8 second rides or 10 second intervals. But it does use a race metaphor: “Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before Him, He endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1b-2 HCSB
As Believers we are called to run the good race. Our individual rides have eternal consequences. We should think of ourselves on God’s team – determined to make every second count. Hold on and run the race before you with endurance.