The Witnesses

Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

Hebrews 12:1

HAVE YOU EVER realized that a “huge crowd of witnesses” watches and cheers you on as you work in the fields of the Lord? Although we can’t hear them, this passage assures us that we are not out there alone. Like the crowd cheering on the miler who struggles to the tape in a track meet, this crowd encourages us, and some even pray for our success.

Knowing such things, how much more determined should we be running our race? The passage tells us to strip down, get rid of all our excess baggage, so we can run with freedom and real hope. What should we get rid of? Sin, basically. What is holding you back these days? An addiction? A bad habit? Perhaps there is something you need to start doing in your life but aren’t doing, such as reading the Bible regularly, praying for your coworkers, working with others at church to reach the lost. God calls on us to get out there and run with endurance. But if you have a knapsack full of junk on your back, you won’t run well.

Get rid of the bad things, the useless weights that drag you down, the sin that trips you up. God’s promise is that when you do, you will run a race that pleases him.