Hebrews 12:1 “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.”
When I lived in New York, I became a runner. A real runner. I actually bought like real runner shoes, ran with friends, and even ran some races. All this is quite amazing if you know my story of struggling with my weight. In fact, when I started running, I couldn’t run for thirty seconds without stopping. I share this because this couch potato became a runner and I even ended up loving it more than hating (most days!).
I had the great privilege of living right next to Central Park and I became very familiar with the loop around the park as I trained for a half marathon. Even years later, I can run that loop in my head because I know it so well. At the top end of the park, there are some quite steep hills that you had to prepare for ahead of time and save a bit of energy to push yourself up them. You have to dig deep and just put one foot in front of the other.
As I read Hebrews 12:1 today, I thought of those Central Parks hills that I now remember with fondness. I can imagine that if you are anything like me, you are facing some big hills up ahead. There are challenges in your life that feel daunting. You are wondering if you have the stamina to get through it all. How will you make it?
Hebrews 12 tells us that there is a race marked out for us. I am not sure if that brings you comfort in your circumstance. I know that there have been such hard days in my life that I really wished I could trade races with someone else. From my perspective, their hills looked less steep than mine. It probably wasn’t true but my race seemed impossible so I was ready to just tag out of my race any way I could.
The great thing about Hebrews 12:1 is that you can know the race was marked out for YOU. Not anyone else. We are to tackle each step of our races with perseverance. But how are we do this when we literally have no energy left in us? I know I have had days where I feel the hills and mountains of my race are collapsing on top of me.
Let’s keep reading Hebrews 12. Verse 2 tells you how to take the next step in the race marked out for you.
“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
The only way you can run the race God has marked out for you with perseverance is to look up. When I first took up running, I was running on a track and I looked at the ground and watched each and every step. An experienced running came by me and encouraged by saying, “Lift your eyes. You will enjoy it more.” I kind of scoffed because enjoyment and running did not go together in my world. But this life-long runner knew what I did not. Look around. Take in your surroundings and don’t focus so much on your next step.
LIFT YOUR EYES!
So, as you face your next step, your next mile, your next hill, your next mountain, lift up your eyes and FIX them on Jesus. He authors your story. He marks out your race. He knows every tear, every laugh, and every challenge of your life. Lock eyes with the Savior of the world and I am confident you will make it up and over that hill that seems so daunting today.
A Few Ways to Fix Our Eyes on Jesus:
God’s Word: Read and sit with the Bible. I love the Psalms. I love Philippians. I love Colossians. I love John.
Music: Listen to this song! And this song. And this song!
Pray: Tell the Lord about your hills and the pain of your race. Invite Him into your journey!
Get a running partner:
One of the ways I was able to become a real runner is because a friend became my running partner. She encouraged me to keep going to make it
