Race

Hebrews 12:1-3 NLT

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. [2] 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 in the place of honour beside God's throne. [3] Think of all the hostility He endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up.

Racing has never been my thing.

I've never done a cross country run and even shied away from athletics at school.

It wasn't appealing or all that challenging.

So when this passage tells me to run the race set before me, I'm not particularly inspired.

Yet our lives are like a long distance race.

Large parts are not really that exciting.

Some days it's just a case of "keep going" and "not giving up".

What am I to do when the finish line seems out of reach and such a long way away?

When it's like that - too mundane for words and tiring - stickability kicks in.

Fixing my eyes on Jesus is the only way to stay in the race.

He is the great Coach and He has run a much harder race than I have.

His Holy Spirit comes alongside and urges me forward, onward toward that precious finish line.

Using a football analogy, some coaches are on the touchline avidly encouraging and advising the players so that they can win.

Some even are criticised for too much coaching.

Jesus does the same with each one of us. He wants us to win and be victorious.

He doesn't sit disinterested in what we are going through. Oh no! He is lively on the touchline of our lives egging us onwards.

I must dismiss the harsh distraction of the opposition and listen to the instructions of my personal Trainer - the loving Lord Jesus.

There's much more than a Premier League title awaiting us.

Our goal is eternal life in Heaven - to share forever in Jesus' Triumph over sin, sickness, death and evil.

That's worth gritting my teeth to keep going and never to give up.

Selah.