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. – (Hebrews 12:1, NIV)
We have all these great people around us as examples. Their lives tell us what faith means. So we, too, should run the race that is before us and never quit. We should remove from our lives anything that would slow us down and the sin that so often makes us fall. – (Hebrews 12:1, ERV)
So since we stand surrounded by all those who have gone before, an enormous cloud of witnesses, let us drop every extra weight, every sin that clings to us and slackens our pace, and let us run with endurance the long race set before us. – (Hebrews 12:1, VOICE)
God is intentional with those whom He places in our lives. Some are for a brief encounter, some for a season, and others for a lifetime. Each person has purpose and can either propel us in the direction to which God is calling, or can distract or divert us from where we are meant to go. What I have learned is that with each example set before us, we can glean wisdom from their experiences to show us the best way to go. The road marked before us is meant to be run at His pace, not our own. That means we must be in tune with God to know which way to go and at what pace. The thing about running is that the less you carry, the easier it is to run well. There are things that it is wise to have available, yet other things that simply weigh us down. In life, it is no different. When we invest time in the word and seek to know Him more, we are equipped with the race plan and the endurance to carry it out. Perhaps that is why I prefer running with a buddy, as it is easier to go farther and longer when conversation can be had and encouragement is built in. God calls us to community for the same reason. When we have others around us who know the path we are on, they can encourage us forward and extend a hand to help us up the most challenging “terrain”. However, if we seek to run with someone who is not running a similar pace or is running in a different direction, it distracts us from what we are meant to do and may lead us to stray from the path we are meant to travel. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us, and trust in Him to show us who are the ones whom He has given us to encourage us to continue in the direction He is leading.
Lord, You are so good,
in all of Your ways;
You lead and guide us,
on Your path each day.
People before us,
the most faithful ones;
examples for us,
how this race is won.
With eyes on the prize,
a heart that is true;
each step that they took,
pointed us to You.
The ones beside us,
purposefully placed;
encourage our hearts,
to run well our race.
May we also run,
with encouragement;
so those around us,
press on, don’t relent.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for those who have gone before us and have shown the way to live well, according to Your plans and purposes. Thank You that You surround us with community to encourage us to do the same. Forgive us for the times that we have diverted from the path You set before us, or have not encouraged those around us as You intended. Teach us to ever keep our eyes on You, the author and perfector of our faith. Show us how to love, encourage, and run beside those moving the same direction. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your perfect plan for us and for the people who pave the way and encourage us to follow You. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, and He is the one who makes our faith complete. – Hebrews 12:2a
Revelations In Writing 