The Race Of Faith

Scriptures: Hebrews 12: 1-2

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

A Christian life is described as the race of faith inside the arena, seen by many witnesses of Christ. These witnesses are believers who have completed their parts in this race of faith. They are already in heaven and now they are cheering us who are still running in this race.

The Lord Jesus wants us to reach the finish line in this race of faith as soon as possible. Therefore there are a few things that we must ensure in our lives:

1. Laying aside every weight. Weight is not sin, but it is something that occupies our minds and makes our hearts heavy. The cares of this life are weights that will slow down our running in the race of faith.

2. Laying aside the sin which so easily ensnares us. The sin which so easily ensnares us is the sin which we easily fall into. This sin is closely related to the weakness of our flesh. If weight will slow down our running, sin will make us stumble and fall in this race. If we often fall, we will lose a lot of time in getting back up.

3. Having spiritual endurance. The race that is set for us is not a sprint, but a marathon. Surely we cannot afford to run slowly, but in this race the most important thing is not speed, but endurance. Endurance will be the determining factor whether we can finish the race or not, especially at this time in which we live because this race has entered the final stage, which is the hardest stage.

4. Looking unto Jesus. In this race of faith we must always be looking unto Jesus, especially when the race has entered its final stage. We should not be looking at our present condition or the situation that is happening around us. People may despise us or persecute us. The situation around us may be very difficult. But, we should always consider how Jesus’ despised the shame, endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him. By looking unto Jesus we will not give up even when we are in the hardest stage in this race of faith.

✨ Indonesian Brother