Running in God's Race

"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."  Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)

Think about the great cloud of witnesses that surrounds us--Abraham, Noah, Moses, Rahab, Joseph, and many others who lived out the life of faith. They are our examples and encouragement to finish the race well in spite of everything that is going on around us. God has given each of us a unique race to run and He doesn't want us to be hindered by extra weight--we are to get rid of everything that slows us down. Some of those weights are mere distractions, but others that trip us up, He calls sin. There are plenty of distractions around--family, jobs, hobbies, even good works. What sins are we unaware of, or unwilling to give up, that may cause us to stumble and be disqualified? Just picture a runner at the starting line, with heavy chains draped around his neck and dragging on the ground, iron weights on his hands and feet--what are the chances he will finish that race? How much lighter and stronger he will be if he throws off those weights and keeps his focus on the one who ran the greatest race of all!