Race of Faith

By Annie Harley

“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)

Did you know when you made the decision to follow Jesus, you also signed up for a race? In fact, you’re running it right now. However, this isn’t a normal race marked by speed or competition, but rather, one of consistency and completion. And don’t worry, there are millions of others who have run this race before and millions more running it alongside you. 

Hebrews 12 is preceded by an entire chapter of women and men who left a legacy of faith. Over the past two days of this reading plan, we read about the faith of Rahab and Sarah. During their lives, they were probably known for many things. Rahab’s was known for being a prostitute and Sarah for her infertility struggles. However, to this day they’re remembered for their faith. 

As fully devoted followers of Jesus, we’ve been grafted into a family tree that’s full of faith. Countless people have gone before us and displayed what it means to run the race of life with endurance. When Paul said, “Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,” he was referring to Sarah, Rahab, and many others whose lives are remembered for running the race with extraordinary faith. 

Paul continues by writing, “let us throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles.” Imagine yourself running down the street carrying a backpack full of rocks! And then imagine tripping on tangled ropes. This imagery reflects the sin that holds us back from running well. However, there’s good news: You don’t have to carry that weight or keep tripping up. 

Paul continues by telling us to run our race with perseverance (hupomone, which is synonymously translated as “endurance”). Theologian William Barclay defines endurance as, “a determination, unhurrying and yet undelaying, which goes steadily on and refuses to be deflected.” 

My gym offers workouts that fall under three categories: endurance, strength, and power. Endurance day is always my least favorite. One time, I actually threw up during endurance day because I drank dairy before going to class. Now, whenever I hear it’s endurance day, a small part of me asks, “Would they notice if I slipped out?” 

I’d much rather do sprints on the treadmill on a power day than run for what feels like forever on an endurance day. Similarly, I often find myself wanting to sprint through life, even though I know my race must be run with endurance.

The ultimate endurance runner of life was Jesus—“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.” We, too, are able to endure life because He endured the cross. We just have to remember to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus!

Pause: Take a moment to ask yourself, “What is holding me back from living a life of faith?” 

Practice: Write down what you sensed was revealed to you.. If you’re in a group, share it with your group! 

Pray: Lord, thank You for revealing in me what is holding me back from living a life of faith. Amen.