Endurance Race

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

Ready, set, go! Run like you've never run before--feel that wind in your hair and the sweat running down your back. Run.

Therefore--it should always send us back to the previous verses so see what it is there for. In the previous passage the great examples--heroes--of faith are written out for us-- from Abel, Abraham, Moses, and Rahab, to Samuel. We are surrounded by these believers. God provided beyond what He gave those faithful--He gave us His own son, Jesus.  So we need put aside our sins--confess and give them up-- and then set off as if we were racing--running to our goal--heaven. And let us run as in Isaiah 40:31--...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.... Imagine running and not getting tired! One foot going before the other--with our eyes on our goal...the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus...Philippians 3:14. God's will on earth as it is in heaven...Matthew 6:10.

Training Tip - Kids love winning a prize. Create a race for them so that they can come across a finish line and win a prize. Have a prize for different categories so that each kid "wins." They're not dummies--they know that the can only be one winner in a race--but maybe you can create a race for each one and have them better their time or distance and give them a ribbon for their best efforts. Help them build up their endurance as well. Challenge them to become better at whatever they do--and may whatever they do...do it for The Lord.

Lord God, show us what You would have us do and say...that we may lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance. Teach my children and grandchildren perseverance in all they do and help them to run the race that You have marked out for them. We praise You for who You are--almighty God and Savior of our very souls.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.