Running the Race

Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us.

Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards; and now he sits in the place of honor by the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (TLB)

Running is one of Anna Zietz, from North Dakota, favorite activities. She feels free and unstoppable when she is running, and she loves the rush of adrenaline. After a run, Anna feels like she just accomplished something huge. Even so, there are some days she doesn't feel up to it. Finding the motivation to run can be hard, even though she is always glad when she does it.

Our faith life can be like that too. We are called to pray daily and to follow God's will for us, but saying yes to these things isn't always easy. Sometimes it's hard to wake up early to spend time with God or to release our control and follow God's plan for us.

However, as Christians we are called to pray daily and to follow God's plan for our lives. Hebrews 12:1 encourages us to run God's race with perseverance. The race set before us spans our entire lives and requires us to say yes over and over - praying, showing compassion, going to church, and following God's plan for us.

Anna challenges us to say yes to God - whatever that looks like for you. We can give thanks to God for every opportunity to run the race before us.

Prayer: Dear Lord, forgive us for the times we don't say yes to you. Give us the courage and strength to say yes more often, in Jesus' name. Amen.