Run Your Race With Endurance and Perseverance

Hebrews 12:1 says, “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).   Endurance means the ability or strength to continue or last, especially despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions.  Perseverance means to persist or to continue steadfastly in an undertaking despite the difficulties, hardships and battles that one faces.  The Apostle Paul is encouraging us as believers, to continue to seek first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness and to stay in the faith despite the difficulties, hardships and battles that we face.  We are to keep our eyes on Jesus, who began the race and finished his course here upon the earth, despite the great opposition and fierce battles he faced, up to the point of his death on the cross.   

 Hebrews 12:2-3 says, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart,” (NIV).   It takes perseverance and endurance to continue to serve God faithfully despite the unexpected disappointments, the battles, the losses, and the delays of our dreams and promises.  

 God promises to strengthen us and give us grace to run our race with perseverance.  Isaiah 40:27-31 says, “Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, my Way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God?  Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint,” (NIV).    

Our ultimate goal is to become like Christ.  Romans 8:28-29 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters,” (NIV).  Therefore, let us run the race set before us with perseverance and endurance, keeping our eyes on Jesus, and encourage others to run alongside us.  Be a voice for the gospel.  Wear Scriptures! 

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