Mission Venture Ministries

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, 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. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. (Hebrews 12:1-3) 

Runners in a marathon follow a clearly marked course; therefore, if you’re running a marathon, you can’t make up your own course. If you stray from the course, you’ll be disqualified. 

Life’s race is “set before us;” we did not select the course, for it is God who established it. God is the Sovereign One who sets the course for each of us, just as He set the course of the cross for Jesus. So we need to remember that the race we run is for Christ. 

We stay the course in spite of trials and persecutions (Hebrews 12:4–11), and as we run, we must “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Because He perfectly finished His race, He is the focus of our lives. We must look away from all distractions because He is already at the finish line waiting for us and “will render to each one according to his deeds” (Romans 2:6). 

To finish the Christian marathon, it’s important to keep in mind at all times that the Sovereign God sets the course. We may not like parts of the course and may be prone to complain, “Why did the course have to go over this canyon, or through this swamp?” The answer is, “because the Sovereign God planned it this way.” Therefore, we will not be able to run by faith unless we submit our will to His will. 

But suppose you decide to pick your own path, still running the set number of miles, but you run through smooth roads and luxurious meadows. This plan seems excellent, but when you cross the finish line, there won’t be a medal or a prize waiting for you. 

We do the same thing when we decide the course for our life instead of running the race God has set for us. It is only by submitting to His will, doing what He says and going where He leads, that we remain on the right path. 

For believers, the finish line is heaven; however, the difference is what we have to show for during our time on earth. Regardless of how grand a legacy someone leaves, the only truly lasting and worthwhile deeds are those done for the Lord and in the power of His Spirit. 

Thank God, no matter how far off course we may veer, the Holy Spirit is still present. He reminds us of the right path and also provides us the power to get back on it and persevere. Our route is marked out and our choice is clear, therefore, we need to run the race set before us and finish well (Acts 20:24). 

So how do we do this? The main way to do this, is to “run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” 

Let us never forget that following the course set by the Holy Spirit brings great rewards. 

Jesus finished the course of faith perfectly, showing us how to finish well. He also brings our faith to completion, as Paul states, “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). 

*******