Have you ever participated in a race?  If so how was that experience for you?   Your hope is to run the race well and the question we want to address is, “How can I run the race well?”

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 great cloud of witnesses refers the heroes of faith described in Hebrews chapter 11.  The writer is emphasizing that since those in Hebrews 11 demonstrated great faith that you will be able to endure as well.   To run well you must first lay aside every encumbrance.  For those of you who run, you know that you don’t want any extra encumbrances, even in the winter you wear the minimal amount of clothing so that although you start off cold when you get warmed up you won’t have anything extra to weigh you down.

The writer also refers to “the sin which so easily entangles us”.  The author uses the definite article,  which as you consider the context of faith described in chapter 11, most likely refers to the sin of unbelief.  What areas of your life do you experience unbelief and find it difficult to believe God’s promises?   Could it be fear of the unknown, fear of failure, or a sense of  inadequacy that keeps you from stepping out in faith?  Those encumbrances and entanglements keep you from running well in the race of life.

We are told 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 perseverance, especially in the face of adversity.  There are moments in a race where I want to slow down; however, I know if I am to achieve a certain time then I must keep a faster pace – that is an example of running with endurance.

The word used for race in the Greek New Testament is the  word ἀγών (agōn) and often refers to a contest or a struggle.  We derive our English word agony from this word.

The author gives us another principle that helps us to run well in our race,

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)

You are to keep your eyes on Jesus.  When you focus on your problems you can become overwhelmed, but when you focus on the God who can solve your problems you can run with endurance.  The hardest part of a race for me is usually the middle of the race.  At the start there is a fair amount of excitement and at the end of the race when you see the finish line you can push yourself.  The lonely miles in the middle can be difficult because  you can’t see the finish line.  You start thinking that when you signed up for this marathon six months ago it seemed like a good idea but now you’re wondering if you can finish.  As you go through the race of life, you must keep your eyes on Jesus – He has called you and He is with you,

for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]  (Hebrews 13:5b Amplified)

How’s that for inspiration!  Jesus has endured the cross so that you might live a life of victory,

 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.  (John 10:10)

Jesus’ plan for your life is that you may have an abundant life – even in the midst of adversity.  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)

What’s causing you to lose heart?  Remember that He is with you, He can keep you from despair and losing heart,

Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.  (Isaiah 40:31)

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5