Now having laid aside those things that would impede our Christian race, Hebrews 12:1 continues, “let us run with endurance the race that is set before us”; this is constancy, it is keeping our eyes on the goal, it is not being distracted by surroundings or circumstances, it is standing our ground under the stress and pressures that confront us during race. In Ecclesiastes 9:11 Solomon saw that “The race is not to the swift…” from a spiritual perspective it is not how vigorously we begin the race but how we endure and cross the finish line that will determine our eternal reward! The Christian race is not a sprint, it is not a hundred yard dash, rather it is a lifelong marathon in which the goal line will only be reached when we enter heavens portals where Jesus “the author and finisher of our faith”, Hebrews 12:2, has already entered and awaits to confer our reward upon us! Unlike an earthly athletic contest in which only “…one receives the prize…” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, in this race every one that crosses the finish line in faithfulness will receive “the crown of life” Revelation 2:10, that will be administered by Jesus Himself! I do not see a second place entry for those who fall a little bit short; Jesus words are”…he who endures to the end shall be saved”, Mark 13:13; Matthew 24:13, that is to hold your ground in the conflict, the Scripture says “Fight the good fight of faith…” 1 Timothy 6:12, it is preserving under the pressure of adversity and holding out under the stress of the race. In Philippians 3:13-14 the Apostle wrote “…forgetting those things which are behind…I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” This must be the commitment of everyone who enters this race; to win; we must “run with endurance…”
Run, and run to win
By Rose Hill
Let us run and run and never give in,
To the things that take our eyes off Him.
For a crown of life the Lord will give,
To those who for Him their lifetime live.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright …1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.