Hebrews 12:1-3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

For me this is one of the high points, not only of the book of Hebrews, but of the entire Bible. I've heard and read this passage hundreds of times and have been greatly encouraged by it. Sometimes a familiar passage like this one, though, become so familiar that we don't give much thought to what it really says. Take verse 1 for example:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

The writer makes it sound so easy, doesn't he? I mean really, "just get rid of all the things that hold you back spiritually, and while you're at it, stop sinning." Even considering the faith-filled people of the past, isn't that a bit simplistic, even naive, to think that we can do that? I don't know about you, but I've been trying to do that for as long as I can remember, but just when I think I'm headed in the right direction, something happens that totally throws me off course. It's extremely frustrating and discouraging. When you get right down to it, this verse isn't as easy to apply as what a casual reading might indicate. Running a race is hard work for most people (I know it is for me), and the Kingdom race is no exception. Among other things it involves training, strategy, focus on the goal, exerting an inhuman amount of energy, learning from failures, and even sometimes injuries. It can be grueling.

One thing we can learn is that God wants us to go the distance. He wants us to be champions. What is your part in that? What is His? There's a lot more to learn and apply from this passage. My goal in these devotionals is not to give you answers, but rather to challenge you to use the mind God gave you to really think about how His word applies to your life. What else do you see in this passage? What will you do this week with what you've learned?