Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ESV

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, NIV

There is nothing quite like running to clear my mind and help me process what weighs on my heart. But admit I am not fast. I am slow and anything but graceful. In fact, when I once tried out for high school cross-country, I fell so far behind that I actually got lost! I was new to the school, so the neighborhood was new to me, and the adults in charge forgot that not everyone had been in this area before. I ran and ran until it became very apparent that I was not, in fact, destined for any XC medals.

Hebrews 12:1 tells us to run with endurance the race set before us. Our very life is our race, and we can only run it one day at a time. But if we can’t see the path, if we are all alone, or don’t have a clear sense of direction, we could get lost. 

But there is hope. Hope for all of us, whether we are physical runners or not. “Therefore” at the beginning of this verse is pointing back to chapter 11, which is often called the “Hall of Faith” because it lists name after name of Old Testament giants of the faith. These were God’s people who laid aside the weights of doubt, imperfection, fear, and every kind of burden (we, too, are tempted to carry), and they ran their race with eternity in mind. 

These men and women of ancient days are the great cloud of witnesses that surrounds us, and they carry with them stories of courage, endurance, and perseverance. They are cheering us on and reminding us that whatever the cost, it’s worth it to run this race God has marked out for us, to endure hard times, and celebrate the goodness of God. To run with endurance and not lose our way, we must study the path, which is God’s Word. And we must lay aside the weights of fear and doubt, and press on to the end. We must believe the race set before us is part of God’s good plan, and He will never leave us to run it alone.

I never did figure out the key to running fast, but going out for track (and actually participating!) showed me the critical parts of enjoying a run. Thanks to a well-marked, well-lit, well-worn path laid out before me, and friends gathered all around, I never got lost. And neither will we if we cling to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who also ran, with joy!

Written by LeeAnn Randall