I have been so fortunate as to be able to travel, which I love. It gives me the space to process and to develop new perspectives.

I spent some time in Philadelphia this week, which was a really thought-provoking and inspiring place to be. One of the places I visited was the ‘Rocky’ steps outside the Philadelphia museum of arts. I went there a bit on ‘automatic pilot’ but when I got there, was amazed at how emotional an experience it was.

In the film, an unknown local boxer is chosen at the last minute to fight the reigning heavy weight champion Apollo Creed, when his scheduled opponent becomes injured. Rocky- the Italian stallion- is expected to loose badly, but he decides to do what he can, and trains mercilessly. One of the scenes in the movie is when he runs up these stairs outside the museum after a time of intense training, raises his hands in the air, and is elated as he feels he is so much fitter and stronger than he was, and that he is ready for the fight.

What was amazing as I was going up the steps, was the number of people of every age and nationality coming up the steps, at different speeds, and doing a power pose and victory dance at the top. It was an amazing feel good place!

There is something about the film, which really speaks to people, with a powerful message of the importance of the underdog, the power of self belief, the motivation to keep going when the odds are against you. It is a timeless message- with pretty memorable music too!

I wish that Christians are as excited about their faith, as the tourists running up these steps were about Rocky! Throughout the bible, it speaks of the little person taking on the giant, of the weak taking on the strong, of the power of perseverance. The bible even uses the image of fighting for what is right, and not becoming weary. One of the most relevant verses is from Hebrews chapter 12 ‘ let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith’. This verse calls us to keep our spiritual running shoes on, and to persevere, focused on Jesus’ love and teaching. We are surrounded indeed, by a great cloud of witnesses, and their encouragement inspires us to keep going.

Gracious God, sometimes it is hard to keep going on our path, for our muscles ache, our hearts are sore, and we wonder how to keep going. Yet You see us when no one else does, and You lift up our heads, and give us strength. Lord Jesus, may we not be distracted to the left or to the right, but to see Your face, the author and perfector of our faith, so we can persevere, even against all odds. Holy spirit, give us the strength, energy and motivation, so we can finish the race well, and stand with gratitude and thanksgiving in Your wonderful presence, Amen