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In summertime in mid twentieth-century Black America, many headed from morning worship to the ballpark. Crowds in their Sunday best filled stands at local Negro League games. Black players were barred from the Major League by an unofficial but ironclad color line. That was, until Jackie Robinson broke through—chosen to be the first Negro in the Majors. Robinson entered the big league not only because of his skill, now legendary, but also because of perseverance in the face of tension, taunts, and threats that came with being a pioneer for freedom. His success paved the way for others’ victories, and his influence was great, including as a strong voice for Civil Rights.

In Hebrews 11:32–40, culminating with 12:1, we see numerous biblical examples of perseverance active through faith. These persons with God did some amazing things. Their purposeful walk was outside what we call “success,” for even when they didn’t achieve their desires, as verse 40 says, “God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” Our perseverance, encouraged through these witnesses, helps us to complete great challenges begun before us.

When we run the race before us with Christ, we can do the impossible and see victory through the power found in God. What doors will He open through you? The cloud of witnesses looks from the balcony of heaven, cheering for your success. -Noel Hutchinson