Run Your Race
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and 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, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
Insight
Four years ago, around this time actually, I signed up for a mission trip to Guatemala for that coming October. I was nervous and excited - but torn. My grandma was newly sick, and her prognosis was not easy to accept. However, she made it very clear every chance she got that I needed to go on that mission trip, even if she was still with us come October. Me, on the other hand, I wasn't so sure that's what I should do.
She was a God-fearing woman with a big heart - very much a grandma, and a great grandma. She loved and lived for the Lord. I first read the verses above, I think in my entire life, as I sat with her one evening in a medical facility she then called home. And if I had read them before that night, they did not resonate with me until that moment.
I looked at her as she sat on her bed across from me one evening and read the verses aloud. I remember her still looking healthy for a terminal cancer diagnosis. She closed her eyes and nodded as I said the last few words. Not only did they resonate with me, but they resonated with her as well. These verses became our parting words each time our visits came to an end. She continued to run her race gracefully, despite her circumstances. In her wisdom, she understood the goal.
Hebrews 12:1-2 is still a mantra of sorts that I hold near and dear to my heart. As I have grown wiser, I've realized it has helped keep me focused on what matters. On Who matters. Hebrews 12:1-2 breathes a Kingdom mindset.
As followers of Christ, we are all running a race. It looks different for each of us, as we all have varying circumstances, some that can even change in a breath. But the goal is the same. It's not necessarily the goal of Heaven; however, that will be a beautiful landing place. Jesus ran his race on Earth, Heaven being His landing place, just like it will be ours one day.
The goal here is to run your race well; the process is the goal. Jesus ran His race well. He did everything he was supposed to do exactly as He was supposed to do it. He set the example for running the race of all races - the race of living life on this side of Heaven. Jesus was not fast and rushed in His race. He was intentional and even restful at times. He was tested, and there was great pain in His race. But there were also beautiful, healing, redemptive moments. He paved the path we now take with grace.
The process of running your race can either bring forth the Kingdom or bog you down. If you're carrying heavy weight, all on your own, you're undoubtedly going to get bogged down. So, how do you prevent that? One thing we know for sure is that Jesus' race involved so much prayer.
In carrying my heavy weight at times, I know I forget that prayer at the feet of Jesus is always available. I overlook one of the most used scriptures, in Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus says, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Again, Jesus paved the way with grace. Jesus promises always to be there. He has shown us how to run this race. His example includes loving others, staying in prayer, and keeping our eyes on Him - the founder and perfecter of our faith. No matter what comes our way. No matter how devastated or hurt or confused or ashamed we find ourselves, He is always there.
Reflection
What does your race currently look like?
What weights or sins do you find yourself carrying that you would be willing and ready to leave at the foot of the cross?
Prayer
Jesus, we are aware of our race and the weight and sins we are carrying. We ask that You meet us where we are, shoulder these burdens, and even take them if it is Your will, Father. Thank you for paving our way with grace, Jesus. Thank you for meeting us in the middle of anything, anytime, anywhere. You are so good to us, and we love You. In your name, Jesus. Amen.
Port City writer Sarah Banks wrote today's devotional.
