"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us," Hebrews 12:1
This verse has been one my husband and I have been pondering for our personal Bible Study this week. We've been dissecting it, phrase by phrase, and are just continually amazed at what God shows us through verses we have heard all of our lives but are still able to find new things in. Also, it gives me extreme pleasure when I see others on Facebook posting things that lead to this verse, such as my sweet friend Jim did earlier this morning.
As I was considering the last phrase of this verse, I remembered a time--many moons ago--when I was in the 8th Grade (although the picture I used is actually from a year later but it seemed to fit my theme). It was an ordinary day, I suppose, and during PE time, we were told to go out to the field behind Cane River Middle School and run. So, I did. I ran just as I normally would, not knowing I was being watched--scoped out if you will, by the track coach. He called me up to him and asked if I would be interested in joining the team. Excited--because no one had really paid any attention to my athletic prowess before--I agreed.
Long story short, when track meet time came, I was on a team for the 440. I finished third to last. What happened? Why hadn't I been head of the pack? Wasn't it me who had run without trying to impress just a week before so quickly that I caught the eye of the coach?
Here's what happened. I wasn't prepared. I wasn't trained. I wasn't conditioned in my mind to know about endurance, about strategy, nor about pacing myself. The goal was ahead of me, surely, but in my unskilled self, I was not able to get to it before the 7 others ahead of me. Oh sure: I finished the race. I completed my task. But I let my coach and teammates down. The natural high I had floated on for the previous week dissipated and it was a hard crash down to the ground.
When I relate this to the verse above, I see some similarities. I was surrounded by others. I was headed towards the finish line. But those encumbrances, that lack of training, and the sins of pride got in my way. Because I had succeeded once, I guess I felt haughty and not in need of practicing my art. Maybe I ate a heavy meal before the race or used too much energy on being at my first track meet and seeing what all was going on? Who knows? That was almost 40 years ago. I can barely remember what happened last week!
In conclusion, though, what I glean from this last portion of scripture is that I need to better train myself in the ways of God. I need to train my mind to His commands. I need to daily utilize what is given to me so that when push comes to shove, I have the necessary skills in hand (and foot) to proceed to that race with full authority and assurance from my Lord above that I am not only headed in the right direction but that also I can receive the award of "Well done, my child." That's better than any participation ribbon any day, dontcha think?
Let's pray!
Dear Lord, thank You for this gentle reminder to once again put my faith in action. I need to hide Your Words in my heart. I need to practice my beliefs and not just write them down for others. I need to apply them to myself.
Lord, You know that report I got back yesterday has me hesitant. You know that it's going to be rough for a few weeks as I heal but I know You are using this for my betterment so I ask that You help me to be strong, fearless, and to rely on You when my own strength is lacking. I want to run the race to make You proud, Father. One step at a time is what I need to focus on until the day I can run, into Your open arms, for the ultimate victory. Help me to persevere, God, I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
