What practical steps help us focus on Jesus as we "run the race"? Scripture Focus “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2) Setting the Scene Hebrews 11 has just paraded men and women who believed God against impossible odds. Chapter 12 invites us to join that relay, running our leg with undivided attention on Jesus. The passage is both invitation and instruction. Running Well: Practical Steps 1. Remember the Cloud • Read and reread Hebrews 11; let real stories of faith energize you. • Keep biographies or testimonies handy—Abraham, Rahab, contemporary saints. • Share faith-stories in small groups; they remind weary hearts that God finishes what He starts (Philippians 1:6). 2. Throw Off Hindrances • Identify weights: habits, relationships, media, schedules that drain spiritual focus. • Confess known sin quickly (1 John 1:9). Sin tolerated becomes shackles. • Practice weekly “inventory” time—ask, “Does this help me see Jesus clearly?” 3. Train for Endurance • Daily Scripture intake: read, study, memorize (Joshua 1:8). • Prayer as breathing: short, frequent conversations through the day (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Consistent corporate worship (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Fasting or other disciplines to tune desire toward Christ. 4. Lock Eyes on Jesus • Start mornings in the Gospels; watch how He speaks, heals, walks. • Use a “fixed-gaze” verse card—post Hebrews 12:2 where you work or work out. • When distractions hit, whisper His name; rehearse who He is: Savior, Shepherd, King (John 10:11; Revelation 19:16). 5. Stay in Your Lane • “The race set out for us” means God chose your course. • Resist comparing callings (Galatians 6:4-5). • Ask, “What faithful step fits today’s stretch of track?”—parenting, workplace integrity, hidden service. 6. Run Together • Seek running partners: accountability, shared Scripture reading, mutual prayer. • Encourage daily (Hebrews 3:13) to keep hearts from hardening. • Celebrate progress, however small; cheer others at every milestone. 7. Embrace God’s Discipline • When hardship comes, view it as fatherly training (Hebrews 12:5-11). • Ask what muscle of faith He is strengthening—patience, humility, compassion. • Submit, don’t resent; discipline yields “the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” 8. Keep the Finish Line in View • Meditate on promised reward: “the crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). • Picture standing before Jesus, hearing “Well done” (Matthew 25:23). • Let future joy fuel present perseverance (Romans 8:18). Quick-Reference Checklist □ Daily Scripture & prayer time □ Weekly spiritual inventory □ Strategic fasting or media breaks □ Faith-building stories on hand □ Accountability partner/contact □ Visual verse reminder (Hebrews 12:2) □ Active engagement in local church □ Regular reflection on eternal reward Final Encouragement Every lap is run on grace-sustained legs. Keep tossing aside what dulls your vision, keep tightening your focus on the One who already crossed the finish line and waits, smiling, to welcome you home. |
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