As children of God, we have been called to run our race not given to the swift, but to those who endure to the end.  This matter of being in the race is part of our relationship with God.  It is a marathon and we cannot allow detours or roadblocks to get in our way.  We must be determined to run to the finish line.  I mentioned on several occasions that I have seen so many people start out with great enthusiasm and zeal, only to find that they quit the race as soon as they run into a few troubles.  In this race, there will certainly be times when you might become exhausted, times when you feel weary and worn, that’s the time you need to ask God to renew your strength so you might continue in the race.  The scripture reference for this devotion is found in the book of Hebrews 12:1 and reads in this manner:

 “Therefore, 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.”

In this moving and compelling passage of scripture, Paul the humble servant of the Lord speaks about the need to run this race that is set before us.  Paul indicates that we run our race looking unto Him who is the author and finisher of our faith.  Paul speaks about the witnesses who are not spectators but, in some sense, fellow participants. Staying in the race requires self-discipline; it also requires that we run with perseverance laying aside our sins, which can weigh heavy upon us.  The sins that need to be let go of have the capacity to tangle our legs and cause us to fall and have us drop out of the race.  The author appeals to his readers to let go and let God.  Our race has to be run with faith and determination to cross to the goal line.  When you get a chance, read this entire chapter. Prayerfully you are fit spiritually for this race, in that you discipline yourself, that you are prayed up and that you are determined to go all the way.