Hey friends! quick question, I'd like for you to think about as you read this post. Have you ever stopped to think about what it means to run the race marked out before us? If you're not sure what I'm talking about let me fill you in. In the book of Hebrews the apostle Paul writes, that we are to run the race before us with perseverance fixing our eyes on Jesus through it all.
"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
If you're like me then you never really took the time to understand the gravity of that statement. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses", we are constantly being watched from all sides. It's not just that though, on a daily basis we have an audience with the creator of the universe. We are never alone, He sees it all and He still loves us.
"Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles", get rid of the distractions and the things that grab our attention from the things of God and get us caught up in the day to day hustle and bustle of life. Redirecting our focus back to where it should have always been, Jesus.
"And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us", run the race before us without allowing the distractions to keep us from doing so. Listen, I understand how hard that can be. I also know that it is possible to persevere through the struggles and the unknowns and allow the grace and mercy of God to be our sole guide through it all. I would encourage you to find like minded people to surround yourself with to walk this journey with you. Those you allow to influence your life have a major impact on who you are and the individual that you become in the future. The passage continues,
"fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he 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 sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." - Hebrews 12:2-3
It is my hope that you would fix your eyes on Jesus who is the author and perfector of our faith and allow Him to be your guide. If you have never taken some time to ponder this passage I would encourage you to take some time and read the entire chapter of Hebrews 12, and if you have some free time read the entire book of Hebrews. It is packed full and I believe there are many great lessons that can be found within its pages.
I asked you a question at the beginning and I'll ask you another one now. What is one thing you would pass along to the next person in line on this lifelong race?
There is so much we learn as we walk through this faith journey, so much that we learn simply as we run this race of faith and perseverance. I challenge you to take the time to ponder this passage and dig deeper into the challenge found within.
No matter what may come your way remember you never walk alone and I believe in you!
Much Love friends,
Alianna
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