“Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us…”
What a great life verse….
The first part reminds me of the beginning of a football game. In Highschool, parents would form two lines into Tully Stadium and the team would run between them, from the locker room onto the field. I didn’t realize the symbolism of that then, but I do now.
There are several ways to interpret the first part of this verse - but only one interpretation for the second…. It clearly says that each day as I enter the race, I must throw off anything that can trip me up.
When I ran through those lines, I was wearing gear that protected me, and nothing that would cause me to stumble. The equipment was light weight so as not to sap my strength. I ran onto the field determined to succeed and that was my only focus.
Every morning I should visualize running through those lines and beginning my day with the same mentality. There is a game plan. I must put on the full armor of God and eliminate any sin or habit that might cause me to lose balance… Too many days I just wander onto the field unmotivated, and unprepared... hoping I might win by accident. I won’t.
This morning let’s be deliberate… throwing off “hinderances” like bailing water out of a sinking ship. Let’s attack today being strong and courageous pursuing our goal of winning the race, knowing full well that it will take endurance to do it… “Quit” and “concede” will not be allowed into our vocabulary.
How different would today be if you started it that way?... How different would your life be if you started every day that way?
We are surrounded by witnesses, and that is encouraging. But we compete for an “audience of One”. God is watching. So, hold nothing back. Look the opponent in the eye without blinking and run the race fearlessly. When life gets difficult, persevere like Jesus, who ran the race perfectly.
Trust Him, one step at a time, and He will carry you until the race is over.
“Heroism is endurance for one moment more.” - George F. Kennan
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