Running with Endurance
“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.” Hebrews 12.1-2
The Christian life is likened to a race in Hebrews 12, one that requires endurance. This imagery resonates with Jesus’ call in Luke 9 to follow Him without turning back. Running a race demands focus, discipline, and perseverance, especially when the path is long and challenging. Yet we are not alone in this race. Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, has run before us, enduring the cross for our salvation. His example gives us strength to press on, even when we face rejection, hardship, or temptation to cling to idols like pride or comfort. The “great cloud of witnesses” in Hebrews 12.1—saints like Elisha, who left everything to follow God’s call—encourages us to lay aside every weight and sin that hinders us. Fixing our eyes on Jesus, we find the courage to endure, knowing He has already secured our victory. In baptism, we are united to His death and resurrection, empowered by His Spirit to keep running. As we reflect today, let us consider what might be weighing us down and ask for grace to cast it aside, trusting Jesus to lead us to the finish line of His eternal kingdom, where joy awaits.
Prayer: Faithful Savior, thank You for enduring the cross for me. Strengthen me to run the race of faith with endurance, keeping my eyes fixed on You, my source of hope and strength. Amen.
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