“…. 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.” Hebrews 12:1-3
The US Olympic Trials are underway. As I watch some of the highlights on television, I’m reminded of my competitive running days. What a good time that was. No, I would not have been competitive with the athletes vying for spots on this year’s US team, I just loved the hard training runs and enjoyed the competition.
This week’s verse in Hebrews urges us to run our race of life with endurance. To strip off everything that might hold us up, slow us down or get in our way. The author is talking about whatever might be dragging us down or preventing us from living the full life that Jesus wants us to have…. that He died on the cross for. He is especially talking about the sin that entangles us. The less sin we have in our life the smoother our strides will be and God will be glorified more.
How do we best minimize the sin in our life? By keeping close to Jesus, and looking toward Him to help us. We do it by surrendering, day in and day out. Jesus is the champion. He’s the only man who ran the “race of life” on this earth without sin and He knows more than anyone else what it takes to live the abundant life He wants for us. He calls you to run the race with Him.
We can also all have a wonderful prize when we finish our race on this earth…. we can be rewarded with eternal life…. if we acknowledge that Jesus died for our sins and rose from His grave. He did this to give us not only an abundant and rich life on earth, but an eternal one in heaven.
Believe in Him. Keep your eyes on Him. And remember, others are watching how you live out your faith. Be a good example for them. Run with Jesus during your race He’s set before you. He’ll be waiting at the finish line to throw His arms around you!
Have a terrific day!
I run in the 2011 national cross country meet tomorrow in Hobbs, New Mexico. I am the 6th man on our team and i never get to score for us. I feel like i dont deserve to be here if i didnt get to score for our team. I’ve been feeling this way for quite some time. I know its satin and i hope i can through that off of me before tomorrow and over come this weight that he is trying to trip me up with! Thank you for the scripture! it has reminded me of what i need to do and the courage to do so!
God Bless!