Greetings Brothers and Sisters,
As I was seeking on what to write for this month’s Pastors Corner, the Lord reminded me of running the race! In the book of Hebrews 12:1 is says: “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us”
As I read this over and over a new revelation began to unfold. If we look at this verse in reverse it shows the following: first it states, there is a race set before us. This race is our life which God has given us to run. It requires stamina to run a race and with this comes resistance training. God has some things for us to learn along this race. Second, that we may run with the endurance that He gave us to run it with. God would never set before us a race we could not run. It’s important that when running this race that our eyes are solely focused upon Him. Third, that we may be able to push aside all those things that try to hold us back. We can’t run a race looking at what’s behind us. It will only distract us and slow us down.
I think about when I went on a hike years back, the air was thin, I was out of breath and all I could think to do was keep going and not look back, otherwise I was in danger of becoming discouraged. I had come so far, and to turn back would mean forfeiting the whole purpose of the hike. So I trudged on for 6 miles till we got to the top of the mountain. When we finally got there I forgot all about the staring of the hike and beheld such a beautiful place with huge pine trees, waterfalls and a stream with wild trout you could see at the water’s edge. What a beautiful reward.
Finally, we are to remember the part of the verse that states, “we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses”. Like a stadium full of spectators urging us on to not only the finish line but to ultimate victory in Christ Jesus.
So while running this race of life, let us run it with endurance, learning along the way, pressing to that next place, overcoming the obstacles in our path, and most importantly keeping our eye on the prize Jesus!
Your brother in Christ,
Aaron Wantuch