Run Your Race!

Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

Throw off everything that hinders…

The heat beats down, threatening to steal the last ounce of strength that hasn’t already been taken from the previous 26 miles of the marathon. But now the end is in sight as you stumble through the tunnel, turning into the final stretch. No sweeter view exists as you enter the stadium to finish the last leg of your race.

Indescribable. 

The awaiting crowd rises to its feet at the sight of you. Cheers fill the packed stadium. This is the moment you have dreamt about. Glancing around the stadium in an attempt to take it all in, emotions well up within and you are taken aback at the overwhelming presence of Glory you are witnessing. 

Sprinkled in the crowd are familiar faces, but most appear unfamiliar, (though your spirit senses that you know them as well from stories you have read). Three rows up on your right-hand side, sitting near a man who you quickly surmise must be Abraham, based on the size of the clan surrounding him, you lock eyes with your great grandfather. Memories quickly flood your thoughts of the countless times he spent with you when you were a child, sharing about the goodness of God. He gives you two thumbs up as you pass by.

Although there had been many moments throughout your race when you had considered giving up, quitting altogether, a smile emerges through labored breathing, as you remember those who had come alongside you speaking words of encouragement. Sometimes one word of encouragement kept you steady in your race for miles. So much so, that you also shared words of encouragement with fellow runners, encouraging each one to stay the course.

Now, nearing the finish, you carry nothing with you, only a weary body and your faith. By the grace of God, neither scorching heat, wind, rain or hail, have been able to rob you of your faith.

Electricity fills the stadium. The crowd continues to cheer, but suddenly you are aware that they are no longer cheering for you. Every man, woman, boy and girl has shifted their gaze toward the finish line.

So you shift your gaze too. 

Nothing could have prepared you for this moment. With your own eyes, you behold Him for the first time. He is so much more than you had ever dreamed or imagined. 

Beautiful beyond description. 

As you round the last corner and dig deep for your final sprint, your eyes are “fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith.” (Heb. 12:2). The noise of the stadium is forgotten, your legs begin to buckle beneath you.

There had been countless challenges along the way, sins you struggled with, but with one gaze into the eyes of Jesus you are reminded that “in your struggle against sin, you have not resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” (Heb. 12:4)

And now—He’s waiting for you, His beloved. Arms open wide to receive you: weary and worn. 

Nothing and no one can keep you from His embrace. 

Crossing the finish line, you fall into the arms of Jesus. Lost in His embrace, He whispers your name and you hear the words you have spent a lifetime longing to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant." — and once again the stadium erupts with eternal praises to the King.

Stay the course…

Sheila

Today’s Prayer: “Father, How humbled I am that You have qualified me to run this race for You. There is nothing I have done to deserve so great a privilege. Thank you for the cloud of witnesses who have gone before me. Their faith and perseverance have given me courage at times when I had no courage of my own. In moments when I feel weak and weary, help me to remember the race that you ran with joy. Because you ran Your race in total obedience to Your Father, I am now qualified to do the same. I will stay the course, Father. Help me to encourage those who you put alongside me with words of life and hope.”