The Race Set Before Us

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 NIV)

I've read these words countless times.; dozens of times since Ginger and I have started training and participating in races. These verses have brought on new meaning and depth as we have been training for endurance races.

The importance of being surrounded by witnesses that have previously ran the race and those cheering you on. Both of these are important for different reasons.

The verse that really stood out to me today was verse 1. Even though I have read it dozens of times the NIV version spoke something different to me today.

"And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us".

Two things jumped out at me. Run with "perseverance". I immediately thought of Ginger during our Marathon earlier this year. She was almost doubled over in pain, she wanted to quit sometime after mile 15 but she kept going with persistence! We finished that race it wasn't easy but persistence paid off and we have the "prize", a Marathon Finisher's Medal to prove it!!!

The second part that jumped off the page was "the race marked out for us". Other translations say the race set before or other similar verbiage. The NIV said marked out for us, this brought me back to the same race. One of the hardest parts of the Full Marathon was the split with the Half marathon. At the slit the person manning that station would look at your Race Bib ( the thing you wear that has your race number on it) and tell you to turn (for the half marathon) or go straight if you were running the full 26.2 miles. It was hard because you knew if you went straight there was no turning back it was all or nothing.

The race course is laid out ahead of time and the turns are usually clearly marked. It is up to the runner's or walkers to pay attention and make the correct turns.

Today that spoke more clearly than it ever had before. God has clearly marked out our lives and we are to pay attention to the markers. If we do we will be in His plan but if we don't there could be hazards or we have to go through things God had not intended on us to go through.

Let's run this race of life with perseverance and keep our eyes and ears open for our Father God's directions. There is a prize at the end to keep our eyes on but also a lot of good things around each bend along the race course. Don't forget to enjoy the journey, it's about a lot more than just a destination!!!