The Race of Faith.

"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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Hebrews 12:1-3

I think that the comparison between our faith and running is genius. I love running, despite the fact my legs usually fell like they are going to fall off after 2 miles. In this passage it is basically telling us 3 ways to make the race of faith can be less tiring and disheartening. The first is to run without hindrance. Hindrance is anything that occupies our time, energy, or affections that hold us back in our pursuit of Christ. We need to actively throw off what hinders us and drop the weights(sin) that slow us down. The second is to run with perseverance and continue in your commitment to the goal of finishing the race. The third is to run with a fixed focus. This is the one that is the hardest for me - due to my add tendencies :).  In verse two we are told that the trail of the race of faith was made possible because of Christ who also came down and made the trail so that we could have salvation. 

Recently I have to remind myself that I will not cross the finish line because of my own strength but because of my Savior. I am also daily working on sharing the joy of running the race of faith and building each other up.

Here are some questions that I have been asking myself over the past week: What has characterized my "running" over the past year? Perseverance? Weary? Lazy? Apathetic? What are the weights in your life that should be throw away in order to run with vitality? What is my future running plan?

" Be strong, therefore, and let not your hands be weak and slack for your work shall be rewarded."

2 Chronicles 15:7

 Don't just be HEARERS of the Word, but DOERS of the Word.

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

James 1:22

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