Run Your Race

We all know it—life isn’t easy.

Challenges can arise that are so difficult, we can be tempted to give up or numb out. Whether it's an overwhelming circumstance, the demands of family life, or the pressures of work, it can sometimes feel like it's just too much.

When we find ourselves wanting to quit, the book of Hebrews gives us a powerful encouragement to hold onto:

"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."
Hebrews 12:1 NIV

“Witnesses” refer to believers who have gone before us, those whose lives are a testament of faithfulness to God. Their stories remind us that we're part of an even bigger narrative, a legacy of faith that spans generations.

This scripture also urges believers to "throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles." Hindrances may be easy to see, such as sinful ...

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God ...