“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, 3 NKJV
While seeking admission into school, I had an interview at a private university, which my dad took me to. During the interview, one striking question they asked was, “Who is your role model?” Without flinching, I replied, saying it was my dad.
One of the reasons I act the way I do as a husband is that my dad gave me a picture of what that looked like. There was something to unconsciously replicate. In other areas of my life, there are also other role models whose actions I replicate.
This is my cloud of witnesses regarding life on earth. If it can be this powerful, then the author of Hebrews was intentional because having such models to emulate will make it easier to lay down burdens, overcome, win, and move forward amidst setbacks on our path.
How can we effectively do the work ahead without giving up?
From the verse, we see a few pointers to learn from:
- Find role models
There are people, both alive and dead, whose exploits we admire. Sometimes, we admire them from afar but must be more intentional about gleaning from their experiences.
When we read the scriptures to learn about faith from Abraham and Noah, we know what’s possible and are encouraged to build our faith. We can also do the same for those who have gone ahead of us in our line of work.
- Trust God
Psalms 55:22 says, “Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you…” Knowing those we want to learn from isn’t enough. We go on this journey with baggage.
This baggage can include fear of the unknown, childhood trauma, no consistent income, and much more. These alone will stop us if we do not go to God and just leave them at His feet. It’s only after this that He’ll sustain us.
- Live Right
We seem to have limited sin to areas around killing, lying, and immorality so that we have wiggle room to do other activities that gratify the flesh. But anything that disconnects us from the Father counts as sin.
We need that connection; otherwise, we won’t be able to do the work the way God wants us to. Obeying the Holy Spirit every time we’re about to take contrary actions will make this work.
- Know the Reason
The anchor verse didn’t say, “Let us run with passion…” but instead, “Let us run with endurance.” Why? Because not every moment of work will be full of sparkles and fun.
Passion comes with a good level of endurance. Knowing why we work helps us stay on track when setbacks arise. Setbacks are opportunities for us to subdue and, afterwards, dominate. This is what we look forward to.
“I run my race swiftly.”
Do you have role models you look up to? Is your connection to God strong enough to trust Him wholeheartedly, regardless of what happens?
The Holy Spirit is ready to coach you in this race. Are you ready to run well?
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