FRIDAY May 1, 2026

The Race of Faith

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....
Hebrews 12:1

Hebrews 12 sets the atmosphere for race in the arena, in the Colosseum. It is as if the Apostle Paul sat for a while in the stands waiting for the race to begin. Then he decided to walk down to the field below, and he looked up to see the arena full of people surrounding the competitors––witnesses waiting to see the race. Then, all of a sudden, the athletes started to run right by him.

This analogy of a race is something Paul wanted us to realize. All the saints––Christian believers who have gone before us––are likened to a cloud of witnesses, watching us from above as we compete in our earthly races. It is as if they are cheering us on!

In ancient times, runners and other athletes put on weighted garments or carried stones to help build strength and endurance. However, they laid aside these weights on the day of the actual race. In some ancient races the men ran naked! Have you ever seen runners in the Olympics? They run freely. Their apparel is designed to be as light as possible, reducing any kind of weight or hindrance.

God has called us to run the Christian race while we are in this world. As a Christian, you must lay aside any sin that will hinder you from competing and finishing your race. Keep your eye on the finish line and the prize of eternal life.

Remember, our lifetime is short, and we really do not know how long God has given each one of us to live. Some of us are nearing the end of our race––ready for that final sprint to cross the finish line. Others have just begun to sprint into the race before settling down into a good running pace. There are runners who are weary and in need of endurance. The race is long, and they have many laps ahead of them.

Where are you in your race that will last a lifetime?

And where does the power come from,
to see the race to its end? From within.
~Eric Liddell~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!