Running the Race with Fortitude

Hebrews 12:1-3 (KJV)

12 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

³ For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

I picture a great marathon and all the runners as Christians who are a part of the “great cloud of witnesses”. At the beginning of the race everyone is ready, full of energy, seeing themselves as  potential winners of the race!

The beginning is exciting with all of the spectators cheering on.

But, between the exciting beginning and the glorious finish there is life! The cheering crowd is much thinner in the middle of the course. The Witnesses are still there but they are busy cheering new racers, trying to stay the course themselves and just enduring the race.

We find ourselves confronted with our own personal “weights”; the things in life which distract us and take our eyes off “the author and finisher of our faith”.

Scripture tells us to “ ,,,,  lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us”. This allows us to acknowledge first that there will be weights, issues, and trials which we must overcome, then Scripture  gives us the course to follow “² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith….”

There are refreshing stations along the course. We have the Word of God. We have the examples of the saints. We have the comfort of the Holy Spirit. We have the promise of the finish line if we just hold the course!

Father God, I thank You for encouragement and strength. I thank You for renewal of Your promise to “never leave us or forsake us”. I thank You for the privilege of being Your child and pray for Your continued patience with all of us who are attempting to run this race with fortitude.

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!