Run Your 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. —Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)
How are we to run the race God has set before us? With patient endurance. First we are to strip off every weight that slows us down. Lay aside anything that is not of God: bitterness, unforgiveness, jealousy, hatred, etc. Anything that is not in alignment with God’s will, His ways and His character is sin. Hebrews 12:1 (NASB1995) says it “easily entangles us.” Let it go and stay away from those tempting situations.
Since the Word says “run” and not “walk,” there is a sense of urgency. 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) Fix your eyes on Jesus and run your race.
I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. —Philippians 3:14 (NLT)