Crowd Support

Crowd Support

Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, . . . let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1

What a great image. Running the race—living the life—that God has set before us. And doing so before a great cloud of witnesses, those family and friends who have gone on before us and who are watching with pride as we run.

It’s not easy, this race. They know it because they went before us, often being the trailblazers, the teachers.

The author of Hebrews uses the imagery of a great stadium, with the grandstands filled to capacity with the great spiritual athletes of the past, a great cloud of witnesses encouraging us through the testimonies of their lives as we take our places in the arena as followers of Christ.

They’re all there—Noah, Abraham, and Enoch. Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses. People who not only crossed the finish line but provided encouragement and hope for us in the stories of their faithfulness.

Over my career, I’ve been in a lot of impressive stadiums as a player, coach, and fan. I’ve always enjoyed looking toward the corners—when those are full, then you know it’s a really big crowd. But there are other sports venues that whether they are full or not, the fans are so passionate, so loud, that when a pass is picked off, the puck is dropped, the ball is dunked, or a home run clears the fence, the roar of the crowd nearly knocks you down. Especially the hometown fans. The ones who are behind you, cheering you on.

But I think that the reaction of even the most rabid fans in the largest stadium can’t compare with the loving enthusiasm with which the crowd of faithful witnesses is urging us on. By God’s grace and through faith in Him, we have salvation and have promised to make a difference in this world of pain, heartache, sickness, sorrow, pressure, hardship, and even death—all for the glory of His name.

We may be criticized, persecuted, misunderstood, and condemned because of our belief in Christ and for what we do in His name. But we will continue to run the race day by day, drawing strength from Him. Each day our stamina will increase and we will get a little stronger.

Uncommon Key > This relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ, is not something you stand still for. It’s a workout! Enjoy the race and listen for the cheers.