Hebrews 12:1–2: “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

August 2nd, 2022 by Pastor Ed in devotional

For anyone who has ever done any type of long-distance running, you already know how difficult it can be. Years ago in high school, we did 5 to 8 miles of cross-country running daily. Of course there were some benefits from it. We were in the best shape of our lives, and there was a sense of accomplishment when we did well in a race. But it was never easy, and never really fun. We concluded that the few people who thought it was fun, were just addicted to their own endorphins. The writer of Hebrews refers to the Christian faith as a race that must be run with endurance, meaning it will be difficult. So how are we supposed to run this race?

No one just runs a marathon without training first. To be in good enough shape to run long distances, serious runners must train intensely. A runner sheds every single unnecessary ounce of weight, including extra clothing and fat. They strip down to the bare essentials: lightweight shoes and streamlined clothing. Some even shave their heads or wear tight fitting skullcaps to reduce wind resistance. We must do the same in order to run our race of faith. We are told here to, “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us.” Relationships, hobbies, amusements, toys, food are just a few of the many things that can encumber us.

In 334 BC the army of Alexander the Great was advancing on Persia. At one critical point, it appeared that his troops might be defeated. The soldiers had taken so much plunder from their last battle, they had become weighted down and were losing their effectiveness in combat. Alexander immediately commanded that all the spoils be thrown into a heap and burned. The men complained bitterly but soon came to see the wisdom of the order. One historian wrote, “It was as if wings had been given to them—they walked lightly again.” Victory still goes to the light and nimble.

“LORD, show us anything that we should throw aside that is holding us back today from running the race well.”