Hebrews 12: 1-3
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
The Christian life is often described as a race—one that has been designed by God. In it, we are called to fulfill God’s purposes for us, namely, to be conformed to Christ’s likeness and to bring God glory.
To run the race we need to know the route. The Bible serves as our map as well as our compass and guidebook. It’s an infallible manual for godly living, which is needed in our culture of contradictory voices all claiming to have the truth. To complete the race, we need inspiration and correction. Scripture provides both through the true accounts of biblical personalities. Some of us are like King Saul, who answered God’s call and began the race in strong fashion. (1 Samuel 10:9) Correction comes when we realize that our eyes, like his, have lost their focus on God’s agenda—that we have become immersed in the world’s ways and have faltered. Others are like Paul, who lived an ungodly life for years before salvation. His life inspires us to persevere and to embrace God’s plan with growing passion. During a race we will encounter obstacles, against which we must persevere: criticism from believers and unbelievers; opposition to our stand for Jesus; periods of loneliness and uncertainty when the way isn’t clear. The Holy Spirit strengthens us as we study God’s unchanging character and timeless promises.
How well are you running the race? How are you responding to the pressures of life? Remember that Christ, who is our very life, is always running with us. And be encouraged through the Scriptures.
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