No I am not talking about political candidates who are “still in the race” or even those that are leading the polls and delegate counts. I have in mind Hebrews 12:1-3,

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”

Keep Running With God.

Glance at the Cloud of Witnesses

Another way of saying that  is look at the great crowd of examples in Hebrews 11: Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Israel at the Red Sea, Gideon, Barak, Sampson, Jepthah, David, Samuel, the Prophets.

Lose the Weight

Lose the weight of your past. Keep on fighting against the sin that is your tendency.

Keep Running

This is not a sprint, not a mile, but a life-long marathon. The reward is not for the quickest, but for everyone who endures to the finish. Glance again at the crowd of examples who finished and are cheering you on.

Focus on the Victor

Glance at the crowd, but GAZE at Jesus, the Christ, the founder and finisher  of the race. Keep your eyes on the prize of being with Him.

• Do you want to be DISTRESSED? – then look within.
• Do you want to be DEFEATED? – then look back.
• Do you want to be DISTRACTED? – then look around.
• Do you want to be DISMAYED? – then look ahead.
• Do you want ot be DELIVERED? – then look up!

Consider Jesus

His physical life was not easy. He faced rejection and hostility. Every thing He said and every action He took faced the scrutiny and opposition of the religious leaders of the day. His death was excruciating – the word excruciating comes from the horror of crucifixion. His execution was for my crimes and your crimes, not His own. Because of us, He faced separation from the Father. Yet He finished, He endured, He overcame, He is victorious, and He cheers for us louder than any other in the cloud of witnesses.

Remember

• Jonah failed when he ran from God.
• Jonah succeeded when he ran with God.
• The prodigal son failed when he ran way from the father.
• The prodigal failed when he ran with worldly friends
• The prodigal succeeded when he ran home to his father.
• The father RAN to greet him and welcome him home

Keep Running! Run with GOD!

-Scott