What enables you to persevere when you desperately want to quit? The writer of Hebrews gives us sage advice for running well in the race of life,

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, (Hebrews 12:1)

The first principle for running well is to look back and be encouraged by the great cloud of witnesses who are described in Hebrews chapter 11. You must also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin that can entangle us.

The author uses the definite article to refer to “the sin which so easily entangles us”. As you consider the context of the previous chapter, this most likely refers to the sin of unbelief. What areas of your life do you find it difficult to believe God’s promises? Those encumbrances and entanglements can keep you from running well in the race of life.

We are to “run with endurance” the race that is before us. The word “endurance” is a compound word that literally means to “remain under”. This word conveys the idea of steadfast determination in the face of adversity. It is significant to note that the word used for “race” is the word from which we derive our English word agony.

We are to not only look back, but we are to look up to Jesus,

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 12:2)

When you focus on your problems you can become overwhelmed, but when you look up to God, you can run with endurance. C. S. Lewis reminds us, “Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you will get neither.”

Finally, we are encouraged to look ahead. As you run the race of life there will be times when you will grow weary and may lose heart. Remember the example of Jesus,

For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:3)

How can we give up on Him who never gave up on us? What’s a situation you’re facing that’s causing you despair? Don’t lose heart – fix your eyes on Jesus and consider what He has endured so that you might persevere. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross writes, “People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” He can keep you from despair and losing heart and enable you to run well in the race of life.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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