Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us... (Hebrews 12:1)

The story is told of a young track runner who wore ankle weights from the time he got up in the morning until he went to bed at night.  The added weight on his ankles strengthened his muscles and made running easier when he took them off.  His father was very supportive of him and attended all of his track meets.  He frequently looked up toward the stands to make sure that he could see his father.  One day, he failed to see his father right before the race was to begin.  It bothered him that he could not see him.  He ran the race not knowing whether he had his father's support that day.  When he came across the finish line, he broke into a smile.  He saw his father with open arms, waiting for him at the end of the race.

All of us have a race to run.  Life is a journey.  Many of the trials of life serve as weights that hold us down from time to time. Sin is also a weight that holds us down.  Some people are just in the race.  But as Christians, we are in the race to win.  In the Heavenly stands are Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and our family members who have gone on before us.  They are cheering us on as we run our race.  They sympathize with us because they had to run the same race themselves. 

How should we run our race?  We should run with endurance.  That means that there will be times of straining on our parts.  We have to stay in our lanes.  We cannot go backwards, but must always go forward.  We will have to be patient and fight off the urge to give up.  Our progress must be steady even though we may get tired along the way.  Our goal is to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, since He is the author and finisher of our faith.

 

Keep in mind that the finish line is not far away.  We are racing to victory.  At the end of the race, our Lord Jesus Christ will be waiting for us with open arms.  I hope that you will agree with me, that makes the race worthwhile.  Hallelujah!