“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” (Heb 12:1, NLT).
I am always inspired to go after a
challenge when I realize others have gone before me. It need not be high-risk adventures
like walking through a long, dark, narrow tunnel, bungee jumping in a remote
location, or paragliding over a deep gorge. It could be any mundane aspects of
life, where bold, confident action is involved.
Christian life is an adventure. It is a journey
to the invisible, eternity or our life with God that we never been to through
unfamiliar territories. In this journey every step is stimulated by faith in
Jesus Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
But still, when tempted to give up hope and
confidence comes from the realization that we are not alone but there are others
who have already completed this race successfully. This verse is the climax of
the long list of heroes of faith that begins in the previous chapter (Chapter 11).
These superheroes of faith crossed the finish line, and they await our arrival
as we are still on our way. This crowd of witnesses motivates us in our
Christian race. If they could do it, then we can do it too.
“O, Lord, give me the same strength that you gave to those
who went ahead of me to complete their race despite discouragement, weakness,
and doubt. Let me run this race with the strength you give me."