“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
Running is challenging. At least for me, running is incredibly demanding and exhausting. I will take off on a run, feel like I’ve gone a couple miles, and realize I’m pushing the half mile mark. Running makes me tired, and often times is discouraging to me because it is much slower than I’d like to go.
Following Jesus is often times described in the Bible as running. Jesus is clear that following Him, living within the lines He has drawn, is tough, it is challenging. Being His disciple and making disciples is demanding and exhausting, and at times it can be discouraging when it is not going as we had planned. Not to mention, as we run after Jesus, we have a very real enemy seeking to oppose our race for Him.
Right now, you may be experiencing the challenges of following Jesus and leading others to follow Him. Running the race may be incredibly exhausting right now. Leading others may not be going as planned. The enemy’s opposition may be in full force right now. And if not, the day is coming when it will be.
Our encouragement – Look to the prize at the end. Look to the one who has already run the race and has guaranteed our victory. Look to Jesus, the one who began the race in us, and will complete it in us us. Look to the one who ran the most intense race so that we might live for Him. And run with endurance the race that God has set before us!
Prayer this week: that we would be encouraged and energized by Jesus who has already won the race for us, to run with endurance the race He has set before us.
I love you guys. Press on!
Really good. I needed this encouragement. Thank you.