‘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’ (Hebrews 12:1). When I read this verse I literally picture myself running a race, but with all kinds of hindrances and snares in my path. What is hardest to admit to myself is that most of these obstacles are consequences of choices I’ve made. Now, this realization could make me stop there in defeat. However, the Word does not say I have to run the race with perfection, but with ‘perseverance’.
In each of our races, our focus has to be on the things that align with God’s word. Everything that gets in the way of, or hinders, that must be thrown off. ‘Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them’ (1 John 2:15). As believers in Christ, we must always be mindful that we are set apart and that this world is not our home. Ephesians 1:7 tells us that, ‘In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.’ Jesus has already paid the price for our sins. We are no longer bound by, or slaves to, sin. So, we can run our race with full assurance that God sees every stumbling block and every trap and He will take care of us. We only need to keep running.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for always being with us. Thank You for grace and mercy. Please help us to put off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles so that we can run with perseverance the race marked out for us. We love You. We trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I Will Cling 