“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. (Hebrews 12:1-4 KJV)
This passage is one of the best exhortations for determination and endurance as a follower of Christ. First, it considers the desire of the believer. Next, it considers those who have already achieved the goal. Next, it considers what the believer must do to also achieve the goal. And finally, it considers the determination, focus, and attitude of the believer as he/she pursues the goal.
The author relates the journey of faith to an athletic event and assumes that the believer is in the “race” because he/she wants to be. In chapter 11, he has displayed the giants of the faith who have faithfully achieved the goal. Others have done it, so can you!
The giants of the faith are not simply icons in God’s Hall of Fame, rather they surround us. Their examples envelope us. Their success engulfs us. The evidence of their lives cannot be denied. They have successfully lived the faith in their generations. If they did, you can too!
So, we are in the arena. Our race is before us. Not to worry, simply let go of every thing that would sap energy for this race. Abandon all entanglements — mental, spiritual, and physical — that would endanger success. Run patiently because this is a marathon not a sprint.
And as we run, we focus on Jesus. He is the beginning of our faith. He is the middle of our faith. He is the end of our faith. Every particle of our faith must be focused on him and his work. No other person has endured the Cross for us. No other person has been despised and shamed for us. No other person sits at the right hand of God as our Intercessor. In this race, Christ alone should be our focus. At the end, his joy of achievement will be our own.
Dear Father, thank you for Christ who endured the Cross for us. Empower us to also endure the race of our lives for him. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today in the race of your life,