“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:1-3

You have a specific race marked out for you. It’s not the same as mine or anyone else’s. Jesus has a unique mission, a particular work He’s prepared for you to accomplish. The question isn’t whether you can run someone else’s race, it’s whether you’ll run yours with endurance. And here’s the secret to not growing weary: fix your eyes on Jesus. When the race gets hard, when you’re tempted to quit, when suffering comes, consider Him who endured such hostility. He finished His work. He accomplished everything the Father gave Him to do. And He did it by keeping His eyes on the joy set before Him.

Maybe God’s race for you involves getting a passport and going overseas. Maybe it’s joining a care team to pray faithfully for a global worker. Maybe it’s having the courage to share Jesus with your neighbor or coworker. Maybe it’s supporting missions financially in a way that requires sacrifice. Whatever it is, the call is the same: run with endurance, lay aside the sin that entangles, and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Don’t compare your race to others. Don’t grow weary because your part seems small. Just be faithful to what He’s given you. The Iranian pastor preparing his church to bring the Gospel back into their country, the military chaplain deploying to serve, the person praying faithfully from their living room. All are running their race. What’s yours?

Reflect:

  • What “encumbrances” or sins might be slowing you down in the race God has for you?
  • Have you asked God recently, “What specific work do You have for me in Your global mission?
  • Pray for clarity about your specific race and for endurance to run it faithfully, keeping your eyes on Jesus.