In today’s social media age, where we have access to an unending loop of everyone’s accomplishments, it has become more difficult to focus on the things God has called us to. Instead of remaining in constant comparison and idolizing the lives of others, what if we began running our race as instructed by the author of Hebrews?
In Hebrews chapter 11, the author shares numerous examples from the Old Testament of individuals who demonstrated faith in God, even in the face of hardship, persecution, and uncertainty. The author continues:
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. -Hebrews 12:1 NLT
As a runner in a race does not carry heavy loads while running, we also need to remove every weight slowing us down. We are called to run with endurance the race God has set and prepared for us.
How do we do that?
- Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus, the Perfecter of Our Faith
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 12:2 NLT
Do you remember trying to balance on one foot as a kid? One tip you might have heard was to pick a steady point to focus on. It is a reminder that in our faith journey, we must keep our eyes fixed on Him who never changes and is constant. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Only then, will we be able to keep our balance amidst life’s uncertainties.
- Following His Example
Jesus set an example for us by completing the work He came to do. Living a sinless life, He endured the cross taking the place that is meant for sinners such as you and me. He finished the work and as a result, He reconciled us into the right relationship with God.
For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. – Colossians 1:19-22 NLT
- Persevering and Remembering Jesus Identifies with Our Struggles
Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up- Hebrews12:3 NLT
In any race, weariness sets in. Though we start with a great desire to run the race, opposition comes or unexpected challenges arise. However, we continue running remembering Jesus knows and has identified with our struggles. He knows about opposition and hostility. Thus, we look to Him and keep running, not giving up in our race.
Prayer: Lord, I pray to fix my eyes on you. As I become weary, I pray that you fill me with your strength and I persevere in the race you have set before me. I pray for a desire to draw close to you and eyes to see those you call me to serve.
Graceful Strides 