Who’s In Your Race?

“Since we are surrounded by so many examples ⌞of faith⌟,
we must get rid of everything that slows us down,
especially sin that distracts us.
We must run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up.”
Hebrews 12:1

When you look around your closest circle of relationships, who is there? Are they people you love? Are they people who love you? Are they people who add a “taste” that draws you to come closer to God personally? Do they cheer you on in your faith?

Or are they drawing you away from your relationship with God? Do they seem to hold you back from what your spirit….your heart … is nudging you to do as you pursue your faith? Are you even walking the same path?

There are people who have been in my life throughout the years who stand out as those who have been an encouragement to my faith. I’ve been inspired by their life . . . by the relationship I have witnessed between them and God. They’re people I want to be with….for all the right reasons.

Are you “in the race” with those people of faith in your own life? Or are you in different races altogether? Do you have the same Finish Line? Or have you gotten stuck in the ditch?

This Life IS a Race. . . whether we chose it, or it chose us. So the decision is ours. Whether
you are running, walking, pulled over to the side, or lying in the ditch. The Race is on, and you are in it. A Race cannot be a race unless there are at least two people in it. But there could also be thousands in the race.

Who are you running with? Are you both heading to the same Goal? Are you inspiring one
another in the race? Or are you being dragged down …. Held back….Encouraged to quit?
Maybe you are finding your way from a detour you’ve taken?

Have you allowed your own heart . . . your own mind . . . your own poor choices to hold you
back from reaching the Goal that awaits ahead?

Look to Paul’s words, written to the circle of people who shared his own heritage and faith. He makes the Purpose clear. He identifies the stumbling blocks and risks. Realities of this
earthly life. His Words cheer us on to the Goal. The Finish Line is up ahead. He’s there waiting, watching, inspiring us on because he’s already There.

And He and that Great Cloud of Witnesses know that It’s All True! So keep running!!!