There is a temptation to quit something when it gets hard. But the writer of Hebrews provides great encouragement for us. Hebrews 12:1-3 teaches us to look to Jesus so that we do not grow weary or faint hearted in the race of faith that each of us are called to run. In calling us to “run with endurance,” we are reminded that we run with hope and assurance of an eternal prize.

Serious runners seek to lessen the weight of their clothing, shoes, and accessories. In our race of faith, the weight of sin is not something we are called to endure. But instead, we are instructed to “lay aside every weight.” On-going confession of our sin to God and repentance is the way that we remove this weight. What is hindering you from running the race of faith in a way that points to the grace and love of Christ? Take it off and experience the freedom of running with Jesus unhindered.

An isolated runner will often decrease in pace. Running alongside others who are competing to win will increase the speed and endurance of all the runners. We need biblical community to run the race of faith well. We all have a race to run, but we do not run alone. We run in the midst of those who have completed this race before and are able to say “I know it is hard, but it is worth it.” Are you a part of a group that encourages and strengthens your faith in Christ?

We must remember in this race that our prize is the Lord Jesus. He was the first to run and perfected the race. He endured in the midst of intense hardship and pain. So, we look to Him. By His sacrifice on the cross, we lay down the weight of sin. He places other people in our lives to encourage us. He invites us to consider the cost of this race and trust in Him for every step of this marathon. Ultimately, we will rejoice in Him when He welcomes us across His finish line of victory. “Let us run with endurance the race that is before us.”