FAITH CAPSULE: Be encouraged and do not be discouraged in the race of life.

Hebrews 12:1-24

The journey of life is a race of life. Running the race is not by strength or by determination, but only by the grace of God. Hebrews 12:1, “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.”The race is already set and there is no choice but to run it. To run the race requires endurance through the grace of God. Also, the race is not to the swift but those who run it from the beginning to the finish line. In the running of this race, every baggage weight should be laid aside because too much weight will slow any runner down. Slowing down will bring forth the temptation of abandoning the race; abandoning the race will lead to eternal damnation. What kinds of weight are you carrying in your race? Is it manipulation, unable to forgive, lying, deception, keeping malice, fornication, adultery, stealing and all kinds of race terminating baggage? In this world of challenges, running with determination will not be enough but endurance is what it takes to run successfully. Running the race with endurance can only be engaged by looking up unto Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. For effective and successful running, Jesus paid the price on the cross with His blood. The Blood of Jesus never runs out or short of supply. “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2) In the race of life, it is not affordable to look or attempt to look outside of the One who has been at the beginning of the race and will be waiting for us at the end of the race. Jesus is the only One to look up to and the only the One we can take all concerns and cares up to. When there is a failure to look up to Him, one will end up in the race wrongly. Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith stated, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)Are you getting weighed down in the race of life? Be encouraged and do not be discouraged in the race of life. Hold on to Him by keeping your eyes on Him and He will see you through. With Jesus, you will run with peace and find rest.

Prayer for today: Deliver me O God of Host; Cause your face to shine on me and I shall be saved.