Christian Poetry: 'Will You Run Tomorrow?'

This poem is about the shock some may experience when they learn that the Christian life can be filled with battles, trials, and a consistent choice to resist evil. Many are told to come to Christ because of the love, joy, peace, and forgiveness they will experience, which is true, but will they continue to walk with the Lord when their faith is challenged?

Jesus mentioned in the parable of the sower that there are those whose hearts are like rocky soil. Although gospel seeds are joyfully received at first, the person may have "no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away (Matthew 13:21 ESV)."

Perhaps you know someone who once seemed to be on fire for the Lord but then they drifted away due to pain or distraction. This poem addresses my desire to see new believers stay the course, for God is able to give them the grace to run the race.

You open your eyes, now aglow

And breathe a sigh because you know

The weights have fallen off your soul

And now you can run freely

The gravel grinds, I shed glad tears

For so long I've wanted you here

You smile and lunge ahead

To give yourself completely

But this is just day one, easy under the best conditions

Where nothing's challenging your faith or your convictions

But when the sunrise turns another page

Will you run the race tomorrow

When you face the scorching heat

And the roar of rolling thunder

Will you remain or retreat?

And when you cry out from the dust

"I don't have what it takes!"

Will you turn back or remember

Your shoes are laced with grace?

So burns the fire of newborn hearts

A hunger drives them at the start

To chase after a higher standard

To pursue 'til death Christ's pure light

But when hardship and trial first assail

The world drags them back by the shirttail

Fair weather friend, fair weather runner

No one ever mentioned a fight

But I do not wish to see another friend of mine

Return to the chains they had once left behind

Not when there's a greater strength to borrow

Will you run the race tomorrow

When you face the scorching heat

And the roar of rolling thunder

Will you remain or retreat?

And when you cry out from the dust

"I don't have what it takes!"

Will you turn back or remember

Your shoes are laced with grace?

As I've been moving straight ahead

I've found each step is blood-stained red

For every mile that lies in front of us still

Yeah, I've been noticing even more

That nail-pierced feet have gone before

A forerunner's already walked these hills

I've walked enough on this terrain

To know that it is not in vain

To chase what the eyes have not seen yet

So let's not fear to forge ahead

Assured our souls are being led

By the only Hand that holds no regret

Will you run the race tomorrow

When you face the scorching heat

And the roar of rolling thunder

Will you remain or retreat?

And when you cry out from the dust

"I don't have what it takes!"

Will you turn back or remember

Your shoes are laced with grace?

(C) 2026 Heather Clark