The 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

Imagine being in a 400m race. The shot sounds and off you all go. Are you excited? Afraid? Indifferent?

You hear the crowd shouting, people you don’t know are calling to you to run as fast as you can. What do you do? Do you pick up your pace?

Have you forgotten to remove your backpack? Is it full of rubbish you meant to dump? Are you still wearing your tracksuit? Are you wondering why you started? 

We Christians are surrounded by those of faith who have gone before us. They want us to win, to conquer our fears, laziness, indifference. Can you hear Joesph? He conquered 13 years in jail to be made a ruler over Egypt. What about David who conquered about the same amount of time in exile, being chased by king Saul to become the next king. Look there is Abraham who wandered around in Canan wondering when the promised son would come. Here is Moses calling out and look there is Noah. Why would they bother with you? Because you are family and are called to the same race as them. Their names are in the book, they wait for you to join them. 

Do not lose hope! Stay in the race and throw off the backpack and the tracksuit! Get into the steady rhythm and keep your eyes on Jesus who is waiting at the finish line! Amen!