"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated at the place of honor beside God's throne." Hebrews 12:1-2, NLT
Do you see what all this means- all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running - and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed - that exhilirating finish in and with God - he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honour, right alongside God."
Hebrews 12:1-2, The Message
Last Sunday was the first time I would cross a finish line. As I rounded the corner towards the final stretch, I could hear the crowd, the runners and the announcer cheering me on. I should have been tired, just about out of steam...but I felt a surge of energy that defies description. There was nothing holding me back - I sprinted toward the finish line, and jumped for joy at having accomplished my goal. My friends had high fives and congratulations for me, a medal was placed around my neck, and I was on a natural high that lasted for some time! I am not sure I have ever been so proud of myself...
If you had asked me if I ran a few months ago, or a few years ago, I would have laughed out loud. It is not something I ever envisioned doing. Yet it was part of God's plan for me, and He has been teaching me about my life and myself as I learned to run. I learned there were things I had to
strip off and leave behind - negative thinking, a lack of faith in myself, a tendency to give up. I learned that running was all about slowing down to my own unique pace, and being persistent and consistent in my training. It was also about relying on support, encouragement and help from those who had run before. All of these are parallels to living the life of faith that Paul describes so well in Hebrews 12:1-2.
I also noticed something after my race: it was much, much easier to "witness" about my running, and my experience at the race, than it is to witness about my life in faith. The natural high helped of course, and reminded me of how I felt after completing a Challenge or Cursillo weekend. But others seemed genuinely interested in my experience, and I was not afraid to tell them about it.
However, I seem to hesitate, or falter, in telling others about my faith. With a chosen few, I am open. But with many others, my fear of offending, my fear of rejection, these things hold me back. I am silent when I could say so much about Christ and what His love has done in my life.
However, I seem to hesitate, or falter, in telling others about my faith. With a chosen few, I am open. But with many others, my fear of offending, my fear of rejection, these things hold me back. I am silent when I could say so much about Christ and what His love has done in my life.
Lord Jesus, help me to continue on the race of faith so that I may cross the finish line with exhiliration and joy in Your presence. Give me the courage to try to be an effective witness for You, telling others of the love, healing and peace you have brought to my life. Let me keep my eyes always on You. Make me bold, energetic and full of life as I share Your message. Help me to overcome whatever obstacles or fears are in my way, knowing that the prize You have promised is worth it all. Amen
