For Reflection/Discussion: Have you ever felt like giving up? When? Did you give up? What was the result of your decision? What are your thoughts on the statement You can't be the me you want to be if you give up before you get there? Why do we feel alone when we are discouraged? Where do you look for support when you are going through tough times and feel like giving up? What is the author of the Book of Hebrews point in reminding us that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses? Who are these witnesses? (See Hebrews 11) How can their presence and example be an encouragement to us?

For Reflection/Discussion: What evidence do you see in Hebrews 12.1-3 that the author and the author's readers are interested in sports? What are some other New Testament texts that demonstrate a similar interest? In what way is the Christian life like a marathon or endurance race? How do sins, unhealthy habits, negative attitudes, and unnecessary distractions hinder our becoming the me we want to be?

For Reflection/Discussion: Hebrews 12.1 refers to a race that has been "marked out for us." By whom? For what purpose? What purpose do hurdles and obstacles serve in races? What are some of the possible reasons God allows us to experience hurdles and obstacles in our becoming the me we were created to be? In Romans 8.28 Paul writes, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." How can this verse help us persevere in the midst of hardship? James 1.2 advises, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds…" Why "pure joy"? Is this possible? Read Romans 5.3-5. How does endurance produce character?

For Reflection/Discussion: When you are going through tough times, what do you tend to focus on? Why does the author of Hebrews encourage us to fix our eyes on Jesus? What does it mean to say that Jesus is "the pioneer and perfecter of our faith"? Jesus' last recorded words before dying were "It is finished." The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy noting that he (Paul) had finished his race. What does it take to finish well? What would have happened if Jesus had chosen not to complete the work God the Father had given him to do? What results followed from Jesus' finishing his work? Under what conditions, if any, is it appropriate to give up? What work has God called you to do? How can you do to maximize the likelihood that you will finish well?