Hebrews has always been an interesting book of the Bible since we don’t know who wrote this book. I finished reading Hebrews a few months back and I’m still mulling over Hebrews 12:1-2a (NLT):

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.

In the chapter before, chapter 11, the writer of Hebrews gives us example after example of people who had great faith. We hear of “All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it.” (11:13)

This idea has come into my mind often these past few months. We have those who have gone before us who never saw the ending of their stories, or the impact their lives had, and they had faith; faith to continue living into God’s leading and guidance, faith to move forward when the outcome seemed impossible.

Back to chapter 12: we are to run with endurance the race God has set before us. We have no excuses to not live out the calling we feel led to complete. It doesn’t matter what obstacles are before us, we are to keep our eyes on Jesus.

I’m not sure about you, but getting back into the routine of “normal” life has been a bit harder than I expected. I have had doubts and fears about people, expectations, and getting sick. Over and over again, I found the only thing that truly calmed my soul was going to the Bible, sitting in prayer, and keeping my eyes on Jesus. The times of keeping my eyes on Jesus gave me clarity and calmness.

Not knowing our future, who we might impact (for better or for worse), and the uncertainty of this world is enough to knock most people off of their feet. But God doesn’t leave us there. He invites us to run the race with endurance. We are in this race for the long-haul. When we feel overwhelmed or discouraged, we have people cheering us on. Let us take off anything in our lives that take away from the race we are called to run. Lean into the faith that gives us strength and direction. Lean into Jesus always!

Is your faith wavering today? What obstacles or struggles are you currently facing? What do you need to do to keep your eyes on Jesus and lean into Him? What area of your life can you “take off” so it stops weighing you down?

© 2021 Susan M. Sims

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