Blake Allen, Campus Pastor, Living Hope Dunbar Cave

Hebrew 12:1-3

12 Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Growing up as a kid, I loved playing basketball. Track, uhhh… not so much. But one of the requirements my high school coach was all players must participate in track and field. Our coach wanted us to stay conditioned in the off season. This was his way of making sure that happened. We didn’t “have to run track” but we also didn’t “have to play” either if you catch my drift….

Being that I was not one of the fastest runners, I got the special privilege of running long distance. Thanks coach… I ran the mile. I ran the two mile. I ran because I had to not because I wanted to. I was no Forrest Gump by any means. But I did try. 

I definitely was not signing up for hurdles. I watched too many Youtube videos and saw too many faceplants to brave the race. If you have ever ran hurdles, more power to you. But what I do appreciate about runners who have faced hurdles is their perseverance. Even if the runners trip over a hurdle, they always seem to get back up and start running again. 

Did you know that you and I are running a race as a Christian? And this is not sprint, it is a marathon. Hebrews 12:1-3 tells us we are to run our race with endurance. And the only way we can finish this race in life as a Christian is if we keep ours eyes fixed upon Jesus. 

There will be hurdles in this race. Satan tries to get us to quit the race, to run in the wrong direction, to deviate off the right path, to drop the baton, to trip over a hurdle. He does not want you to finish running your race for Christ. The question is will you continue to persevere? 

God is calling you to run your race. And we must lay aside all things that hinder us and run. What is the race? The race is giving hope and making disciples. We are to testify to others about the good news of Jesus until the race of life is over. And when we are met with hurdles and trials in this life, we must get back up and keep running until we cross the finish line. 

Are you running your race for Jesus each day? 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, give us the strength we need to endure and finish the race you have called us to. Amen. 

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK: 

MEMORY VERSE FOR THE WEEK:

Romans 13:8

Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.