Run the Race to the Finish Line

 Heb 12:1
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us

The metaphors used by the writers to the Hebrews can be interpreted and translated to convey different meanings and applications. Words such as cloud, weight, run, and race were all used to help the reader to connect and apply the truth that was given. It is always my intention as I read the Bible to understand the meaning and the relevant application to my daily walk with God. The Holy Spirit is able to take what I read and apply it directly to my life. It may not be what was implied by the writer as they penned the words, but it is what the Holy Spirit takes and writes to my heart.
 Much has been written about the cloud of witnesses that surround us. Many believe the witnesses are those who have gone before us in death and are now looking down from heaven, cheering us on to keep the faith and don’t give up. That application of scripture encourages the heart to keep pressing on. We all need encouragement not to give up when life gets hard. 
The writer says that we are in a race. A race implies that there is a finish line, a goal that is desired. Running the race means that we are not spectators, but participate in this race. Winning the race is not necessarily being the first one to cross the finish line, but to win is to complete the race to the finish line. Making it to the finish line is what every Christian seeks and desires, but too often there are weights, things in our lives that keep us from being all that God wants us to be. I don’t know what those weights are. They are different for each person, but the Holy Spirit is able to show us what weights we need to lay aside. What keeps us from being all that God wants us to be? Is it a besetting sin of unbelief that hinders us? The sin that keeps us from running could be that the carnal nature is still in control of our lives. A failure to fully surrender to the will of God. The sin of pride and self-will, not letting go and letting God take full control of our lives. John Wesley calls this entire sanctification, a full consecration to the will of God. The Holy Spirit is able to cleanse our heart from the sin that hinders us from finishing the race. It appears that there will be those that will start the race, but will not finish it. Many have quit running, not willing to lay aside the weights and trust God. It is God’s desire that all that start this race finish to the end. Let us run the race with all diligence, and let the Holy Spirit give us the strength and endurance we need to make it to the finish line.

Running the Race

Hebrew.12:1,2…let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus…

Living the Christian life is compared to running a race. We start out realizing that Christ can save to the uttermost and He can change the direction of our life. We have made a new start and the race has begun. Our goal is to make it to the finish line. It is not who can run the fastest, but who can endure to the end. Many have started out in this race and have succumb to the pitfalls along the way. They have quit running the race. They have taken their eyes off of Jesus, the One who put them on the starting line. They have become weary in well doing, or the attractions along the way have caused them to take another path. They are weigh down with the cares of this world, or refuse to let go of sin. But to those who keep running, they are encouraged by the cloud of witnesses that have gone before them. Many who have endured temptation, held on to God no matter what came, and kept their eyes of Jesus. The end is close, we have come too far to turn back or quit running. Heaven is on the horizon, the finish line is near. 

Run To Him

Prov. 18:10 “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it and is safe.”-

I remember as a new freshman at high school running home fearing for my life. It was customary and sad to say tradition to initiate incoming freshman to the school. So, every day I ran home to avoid being caught. Unfortunately, I was finally corner in the boy’s restroom. Satan is out as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. He intimates, frightens, and pursues the righteous into doubting God. He chases many into a corner and causes them to make unwise decisions. He is a master of fear and will tempt us to give in to unbelief. But with every temptation, God has provided a way of escape. He is our tower of refuge. When Satan begins his chase, we but have to run to His tower of protection. God’s grace is available to all who will run to Him. We need not fear the enemy of our soul if we are abiding in God’s strong tower.