Run with patience the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1c).  A faithful life in Christ is a race. The patterns of faith are our motivation to run—always trusting, never giving up no matter the obstacles, hardships, or costs.

We are to run with endurance: total commitment, self-discipline, determination, and perseverance. Run when everything within you wants to give up: Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain (First Corinthians 9:24). The only way to endure is by Faith.

Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us (Hebrews 12:1b). To run the race, we must lay aside whatever diverts our attention, saps our energy, or dampens our enthusiasm (good or bad). These could be worldly concerns or old beliefs that keep you from going forward. Sometimes it is guilt we still carry around. We must also lay aside (take off – remove) any sin in our life. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (First John 1:8-9). Sin will trip us up in the race of Faith.

My challenge is to run the race with our focus on Jesus Christ – keeping our eyes on the prize.

Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2). 

This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14).

I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing (Second Timothy 4:8).