THE RACE BEFORE US

No race is legitimate if shortcuts are taken. Our post today is not just about running the race of faith, but running it well. I refer again to our study text in this series, Hebrews 12:1-3, with this week’s phrase in bold:

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Like a marathon runner, we run a designated, specific race. In every race, there’s a complete path to follow. In the greatest of all races, our guidance and leading comes from the things that are revealed in Scripture. It is our “rule” book. The Word of God sets the standard and gives us the guidance to stay on track.

What are the rules and who gives us the strength to follow them?

Consider Psalm 119:32

“I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding”.

Consider also the sort and sweet words of Psalm 119:105:

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”.

The race is already mapped out; it’s already set before us. That is, taking the passage as a whole, we expect to be tested in our faith and challenged to persevere. We see what the heroes of the faith have gone through, and we are equipped to do the same because we have the same instructions and the same source of strength.

Can you thank God for a time when His word was a very evident guide?

Excerpts from “The Race Before Us”

Order here