GOD’S AMAZING RACE OF FAITH

Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.  Hebrews 12:1c-2a

Watching the Olympic races caused me to think about our race of faith in Jesus Christ.  This is an important race run only by those who are trusting Christ alone for forgiveness of their sins.  Christ’s love for us should motivate us to go all out in our race of faith.  Hebrews 12:1-3 gives us four reminders to help us run successfully.

First, we need to remember that others have gone before us (12:1a).  We are often tempted to say, “I can’t do this Christian life!  It’s too hard!”  The testimonies of the great mass of witnesses rise up surrounding us saying, “You CAN do it!” (Hebrews 11:1, 6).  Second, we need to free ourselves from all hindrances/weights (12:1b).  Runners today are very “stream-lined” in their attire.  In the early Greek games runners wore absolutely nothing!  What holds you back from giving your 100% to the Lord?  Sin has a crippling effect on our ability to successfully run for God.  Don’t cover it up!  Confess it and forsake it (1 John 1:9-2:2)!  Thirdly, we must remember that God’s race is a marathon, not a sprint (12:1c).  Thus we must run with endurance and perseverance, bearing up under tough situations and trials lest we quit running (Philippians 3:12-14; 2 Timothy 4:7).  Finally, we need to focus entirely on Jesus; not others, the world or ourselves, lest we go off course (12:2-3).  Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith.  He will get us to the finish line.

Are you in God’s amazing race of faith?  If you are, how’s the race going?  Are you lagging behind, ready to quit, weary or discouraged?  Fix your eyes on Jesus, and as the coach said in the movie Facing the Giants, “Don’t quit!  Don’t quit!  Don’t quit!”  Let’s all go for the gold (1 Corinthians 3:11-15)!

Bob Kulp