“Let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus”

Hebrews 12:1

As a track and field athlete, I learned a few things about “shedding encumbrances” and “avoiding pitfalls”. The field we ran on was dirt – small pebbles and grit which could easily cause us to slip and lose our footing. To avoid that pitfall, we wore track shoes – shoes with spikes which pierced the ground as you planted your foot and the weight of your body onto it. These spikes were dangerous if you were careless; they could cause you and other runners grievous bodily injury. However, with appropriate caution they allowed you to run the race without fear of the “pitfalls” of the field you were running.

The clothing you wore was light and clung to your body to allow sweat to wick and minimize the air-flow between your skin and your clothes. This air-flow would only serve to slow your forward momentum.

The race is about winning, it is about finishing, and it is about excellence. It is about recognizing the enemy and putting on the appropriate armor. It is about recognizing the things in your own life that will deter you. It is about avoiding the pitfalls of sinful choices which will destroy your integrity as you run this race. It is about shedding excess baggage and running the race without things that weigh you down. The most common of these “encumbrances” for a Christian are materialism, sexual immorality, and excessive ambition. The “allure” of these sins is Satan’s favorite “lure”!!

The race is about winning, it is about finishing, and it is about excellence. It is about recognizing the enemy and putting on the appropriate armor. It is about recognizing the things in your own life that will deter you.

We run with perseverance, setting our eyes on Jesus. Satan will attack you – he will use his minions to try to destroy your integrity and dwindle your faith in Christ and in the calling He has placed on your life. This is when you put on your “Shield of Faith”. Satan is a liar!

Keep your eyes on Jesus – the author and perfecter of your faith. Philippians 4:19, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” Do not doubt His provision. Do not focus on the race before you but rather on the One who fuels you as you run the race.

Philippians 3:14 “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus”. Keep pressing on! He has called you to run the race.

He will run with you.

He will ignite the fire within you.

He will be the wind beneath your wings!