Hebrews 12:1-2 AMP ~ “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, [2] [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].”
Imagine that you are training for your first marathon, your training didn’t begin on race day, but it began weeks earlier when you committed to the challenge. Think about your first time training for race, you are wearing heavy sweats, carrying a backpack with water bottles, and running with your headphones tangled. By the first mile, you are totally exhausted, frustrated, and wondering why you ever thought you could run a marathon! So that night, you called your friend who is an experienced runner, and they offer you a piece of advice, you’ve got to let go of what you don’t need. Lighten your load so you can run smoothly!
The key to endurance isn’t carrying everything, it’s carrying what’s essential. So, the next day, you hit the pavement with a new perspective, this time you have lighter gear, a focused mindset, and a heart determined to improve. Yeah, you still struggled at times, but you to trust the process and you remember that endurance is built step by step. So, as you can see God doesn’t ask you to run the race of life weighed down by unnecessary burdens. He wants you to let go of sins, doubts, fears, and even distractions that divert your focus. And to seek Him for wisdom, for you are called to lean on the great cloud of witnesses, as well as on God’s Word, prayer, and the encouragement of fellow believers!
Life is like a marathon, not a short sprint. In today’s scripture you are encouraged to think of yourself as a runner in a race, with one clear goal, to keep going, stay focused, and endure! But what gives this verse its power is that you are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses! These witnesses, heroes of faith who persevered through hardships are there to cheer you on. Think about the lives of Abraham, Moses, Ruth, Esther, Paul, or the unnamed faithful who endured hardships. Their lives testify to the power of God’s faithfulness. Their stories have been recounted in the Bible and echoed through history for a purpose, to remind you that the race of faith is not ran alone!
So, when you feel weary, you can draw courage from their stories. They didn’t run perfectly, but they kept going, trusting God to guide them. Their perseverance is in the Bible to there to remind you that victory isn’t about perfection but about unwavering faith. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a one man show! For no marathon is without its challenges and you will need some encouragement along the way! For you will face some burdens and distractions that will try to weigh you down. These weights can be unresolved fears, insecurities, or even the busyness of life that keeps you from wholeheartedly pursuing God. Sin is like an unexpected obstacle in the race, it can trip you up if you’re not vigilant!
This is why I love this Scripture; it is clear in what you must do, you must actively throw off hindrances and shed them like a runner who tosses aside anything that slows down their pace! Picture it a runner shedding a heavy jacket as the race heats up. What weighs you down? Is it the opinion of others? Is it perfectionism? Is it the fear of failure? Or is it your past mistakes? Whatever it is, throw it off! I believe this verse is to challenge you to reflect on what is holding you back in your spiritual race and to release it. When you surrender these burdens to God, you free yourself to run with clarity and unencumbered by the weight of unnecessary distractions!
The race that you are running had already been marked out for you. God, in His sovereignty, knows the course ahead. He is the One who set the track, prepared the path, and empowers you to keep going. But to finish strong, you must stay focused on Him, keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus, the ultimate example of perseverance and faith! Now run with perseverance, the race that has been marked out for you is unique. No two runners face the exact same course, some may encounter steep hills, while you may have to tread through deserts or forests. Each challenge will be different, but the same God will strengthen each one of you! Trust God’s plan for your specific journey, even when the path feels confusing or overwhelming, just know that God has equipped you with grace, guidance, and strength to keep moving forward, to keep pushing, and to keep running your race, for you have a set goal, eternity!
Let’s Pray:
Thank You Father! Father, You have set a race before me, one that is marked by Your love, Grace, and purpose. Father, I have to admit that at times I feel weighed down by distractions, sins, and worries that try to steal my focus. Father, help me to lay these things at Your feet, trusting that You will give me the strength to let go and move forward. Strengthen me to run with perseverance, inspired by those who have gone before me, who trusted You through trials and uncertainties. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may run with endurance, finding joy and peace even in the hard seasons. So, Father when I feel weary, remind me of Your promises, and when I stumble, lift me up with Your Grace. Father, fix my eyes on Your Son, Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith, so that no matter what challenges lie ahead, I can run with hope, knowing that You are with me every step of the way. Father, teach me to trust the race You’ve marked out for me, even when I don’t understand the terrain. Help me to encourage others running alongside me, and may our faith be a testimony to Your power and goodness. Guide me to the finish line, Father, and may my life glorify You in every step that I take. In the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen!
Blessings…
Love, Minister Jean
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