Our Scripture reading today is Hebrews 12:1-2.
Verse 1, "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,"
Each of us has as race before us that we are to run for the glory of our God. You have your race and I have mine. We can refer to this race as a marathon. It will require much patience and endurance. It is definitely not a sprint. The goal is to finish it as a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 4:2, "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful."
The word, race, is translated from a Greek word that refers to a conflict or struggle. It was a favourite word of Paul. Philippians 1:30, "Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me." 1 Timothy 6:12, "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." Only by God's grace can we go through our conflicts and struggles and then finish with joy. Acts 20:24, "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God."