Run the Race

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT

I remember the first time I really paid much attention to this verses was in college. We were praying before a game and one of our seniors prayed “let us remember that we are set to run your race and not our own” this has stuck with me. I was created to run the race that was set before me. As I began to really dig into the verses I continued to read. Verse 3 says, Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

Have you ever trained for a race, game, play, or anything that causes you to give completely of yourself? I have trained for three half marathons and each time it was very difficult. I have wanted to quit or just walk during my run. In life we find ourselves doing the same thing. When times get hard because we stand up for God, we could very easily give up. I continue to remind myself that the right thing, is many times the uncool or worldly way. This makes doing the right thing hard because you catch hostility and wrath. Hebrews encourages us to continue to run the race that has been set before us even when it gets hard. We are told to keep our eyes on Jesus and remember what he endured on the cross. The best part is we are reminded that Jesus is now seated beside God. When times get hard and the world is crumbling around you, cling to the Hope we are promised.

Pastor Kendra Scott