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 distractions that hold us back from fully running after God. But they may also be internal, like fear and shame. Whatever form they may come in, we're called to throw them off.
And yet, we don't just throw off things that entangle us and sit down. The rest of the verse says, "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." The call is to keep moving forward, no matter how tough the journey may seem. Guided by grace and fueled by faith, we can press on. We can run the race He's set before us.
Live Empowered
Imagine God’s Spirit hovering over the face of the earth...
Everything is dark and without form until God breathes out the words, “Let there be light.” In an instant, everything changes. The light pierces the darkness and what was once invisible is now seen clearly. This is what God’s Spirit does. He is always near—bringing light to what was once covered in darkness.
The Holy Spirit is available to anyone who becomes a follower of Jesus, empowering them to live out the calling God has placed on their life. And what has Jesus called His followers to do? To love God, love others, and make disciples.
Jesus’ first disciples wanted Him to stay and restore the kingdom of Israel. But in Acts 1, Jesus hints that His Kingdom wasn’t what they were imagining. His Kingdom would continue throughout history by the power of the Holy Spirit and the continual testimony of His disciples.
The Holy Spirit is a gift from our heavenly Father that helps us live in a way that honors God...