Hebrews 12:1 3 Walking by faith is acting upon the truth as it is revealed in the Word and interpreted and directed by the Holy Spirit. This is essentially the story of the heroes of Hebrews 11 who received instructions from God and did not wait for understanding before acting in obedience. It is all these believers who have gone on before and set the example, that constitute the "great cloud of witnesses." As in a relay race, these have carried the baton and pass it on to us who are called to continue. In a race there are many, many good things that you don't carry with you; not because they are bad; but because they will slow you down and keep you from winning the race. Take stock, what things should we be taking out of our "backpacks" that are slowing us down and wearing us out too soon? Then there is sin, not just any sin, but the one that seems to be the one that the devil uses that brings us down so easily and consistently. Concentrate on the race, not on the trying to avoid the sin. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the One who ran the race before us. The prize at the end of the race was so critically important to Jesus that is was worth all the torment, all the tests, even death on the cross, in order to finish the race. Without His finish there would be not even be a place in the race for us. Because He was victorious, we can be also. If our victory was so important to Jesus, that He was willing to suffer so much for us, should it not also be important to us. So often we cop the attitude that we're just here for a good time, and that we should try to have just as much fun as possible at the expense of anyone who gets in our way. Have you ever considered that, perhaps it's God's will that we become a part of that "great cloud of witnesses", so that our conduct in the race might be an inspiration to someone who will follow us? That their success or failure may hinge directly on how we perform? Run! With your eyes fixed on Jesus.

Run with Perseverance