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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2

The Christian life is a race. Sometimes it’s more marathon than sprint, and sometimes it’s the opposite. If you are going to run it well, you must keep your eyes on the right goal. Otherwise, you will get sidetracked and lured off course. The starting line is when you first accept Jesus. You commit yourself to the race and make following Him your goal. Each person has their own race course, but the finish line is always the same. When you say yes to Jesus, He shows you the course, points out the many obstacles, and sets your pace.

The race is the middle part: the long, hard, sweaty part. The race is your lifetime of following Christ. It’s the dash between your dates—the day you choose to follow Jesus and the day you meet Him face to face. As a follower of Christ, that dash represents a great deal of life! It represents your perseverance through trials and your endurance in your faith. It includes some pain and suffering, but also great joy. It is where you struggle, but finally surrender your heart. It is where you fight God, but ultimately choose obedience, where you make many selfish choices, but learn that sacrifice for others is so much better. And it is where you learn to love big, to give generously, and to point others to the heart of your Savior. It even includes a time or two where you get a bit sidetracked and head off in the wrong direction. But you call out to Jesus each time, and He guides you right back to the course.

You will reach the finish line on the day Jesus calls you home and welcomes you with open arms. The finish line is heaven, and as your faith matures during your dash, God grows you. He shapes your heart throughout your race, using every hurdle as an opportunities for the Holy Spirit to remove impurities, smooth sharp edges, and refine your heart. The evidence of a dash well-lived is the fruit it produces (Galatians 5:22-23). As long as you keep your eyes on Him, your heart will be like His, your love will shine brightly, and God’s Kingdom will multiply. Your faith in Jesus is not determined by how well you start your race; it is determined by your dash! Live it well! You are loved!   

The race is the middle part: the long, hard, sweaty part. The race is your lifetime of following Christ. It’s the dash between your dates—the day you choose to follow Jesus and the day you meet Him face to face. As a follower of Christ, that dash represents a great deal of life! It represents your perseverance through trials and your endurance in your faith. It includes some pain and suffering, but also great joy. It is where you struggle, but finally surrender your heart. It is where you fight God, but ultimately choose obedience, where you make many selfish choices, but learn that sacrifice for others is so much better. And it is where you learn to love