Running the race

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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 This "great cloud of witnesses" is composed of people we read about in the Old Testament, such as Abraham and Noah. Their faithfulness is a constant encouragement to us. We do not struggle alone, and we are not the first to struggle with the problems that we face. Others have run the race valiantly and won, and their witness gives us courage to run and win also. We have been given an amazing spiritual heritage, if we would only recognize it. The Christian life involves hard work. Jesus never said it was going to be easy. In fact, He told us straight up that we would face trials of many kinds. " But fear not . . . " This life requires us to give up whatever endangers our relationship with God, to run patiently, and to struggle against sin with the power of the Holy Spirit. To live effectively, we must keep our eyes on Jesus. We will stumble if we look away from Him to stare at ourselves, or at the circumstances surrounding us. We should be running for Christ, not ourselves, and we must always keep Him in sight. God Bless you, J.H.