"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." Hebrews 12:1 NLT
The Marine Corps Marathon Organization recently reported that there was good news for the runners who were training for the Marine Corps Historic Half-Marathon that was scheduled for May but canceled due to COVID-19. The race organizers refashioned the race, they said, so that the registrants could participate virtually while listening to special audio messages that will detail information about the landmarks and historic spots they'd be passing if they were actually running the race in Fredericksburg. And the best part? Although they will be running alone, they will be cheered on by a virtual crowd.
And you know, if you've ever run a challenging race or participated in a tough competition, you would agree that having people on the sidelines cheering you on makes a huge difference. In fact, it's motivated me to press on when I wanted to quit more times than I can count. And thankfully, no matter where you and I go or what trial or hardship we might face, we can take comfort in knowing that we are always being cheered on by a "huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith." Just who are these witnesses though? They are the saints who have gone before us - people of great faith who have "run with endurance" the race God set before them and won.
So knowing these believers faced the same struggles that you and I face but stayed the course, let us look to them for the inspiration to press on when the race gets hard. And let us determine, like they did, that we will never give up until we reach the finish line... no matter what.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the many examples of people in the Bible who stayed faithful through the same tests and trials that we will go through. Help us to remember that these individual are not fictional characters but real people who overcame hardships and are now reaping the rewards of their faithfulness. May their witness remind us that we have the power to do the same. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
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