You’re Being Cheered On

“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

In a story titled “Runners get ready for upcoming 20th St. Jude run,” it was reported that An upcoming annual relay race that aims to raise money for children with an illness is about to reach a milestone marker. Runners will embark on a 135-mile trek this Friday for the 20th annual St. Jude Quincy to Peoria run. Each year the event promises to raise thousands of dollars. That’s because each runner is required to raise at least $1,000 to participate. The participants will present a check when they finish the run. “Once we start running it’s 24 hours plus or minus until we get to Peoria,” said St. Jude Quincy-Hannibal run’s coordinator Tom Batenhorst. “We run all the way through the night. We run through good weather and bad weather. We had horrible thunderstorms last year and we ran through those thunderstorms.” Participants ask you to come out and cheer them on Friday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. outside the Kroc Center. Given that spectators at “cheer zones” play an important part in encouraging a runner to keep going, asking for people “to come out and cheer” is a great idea!

And you know, when it comes to completing the spiritual race that “God has set before us,” you and I would do well to remember that we are “surrounded by a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith.” These are men and women (in addition to the ones Paul listed) that have gone before us who have, by faith, run through good weather and bad weather and everything in between to make it to the finish line — and who serve as inspiration for us to press on in the same way. In other words, they cheer us on!

So familiarize yourself with these previous champions of the faith my friend. Get to know why these brave believers had the awesome privilege of being listed in the “hall of faith.” This way, when the race gets tough and you’re temped to tap out, you can picture them as spectators from the heavens, clapping and yelling out encouraging words to inspire you to press on to overcome the same things they did. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the many men and women that, by faith, trusted You against all odds and never gave up despite all they went through, with some even giving up their lives for the cause of Christ. Help us to remind ourselves that we, by faith, can press on as well no matter what trials and tribulations come our way. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!