It sure has been impressive and entertaining watching the Olympic athletes these past few weeks. In Hebrews 12, life is referred to as a race, and watching the best runners in the world has helped me visualize this analogy so much more clearly. Because those races are no picnic in the park!

“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 author and perfecter of faith.” Hebrews 12:1

As we “run the race” of life, we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. In Greek, the word “cloud” is used to express a great many. Sure, the Olympic runners are surrounded by and cheered on by a gazillion people. But what “great cloud” is cheering for me?

Before this verse, in Hebrews 11, the writer goes through a long list of faithful saints –  Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and more. So many have run the race before us, all struggling and falling at times. But God worked in each of their lives and used them for His purpose. Could they be cheering us on in heaven? Possibly! We can’t be sure. But their stories of obedience offer encouragement and inspiration to us as we struggle along in the race. How awesome that we can learn lessons and gain hope from those in whose faithful footsteps we follow. 

Next, we throw off everything that hinders us and run with perseverance.

Running involves a lot of grueling, laborious, monotonous steps before the celebration at the end. Success in life is often only found in the grind of thousands of acts of obedience over and over and over again, acts that are often tiring, difficult, and even painful. This week in particular I have felt pushed to the limit and drained to the core. The race is often physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding. 

And I am not just running any race, but the race marked out for me. We each have our own particular callings, our own stories, our own races to run. I sometimes find myself complaining about the path God has marked out for me. Sometimes it looks like everyone else is running a nice easy course and I got stuck with the steeplechase. Why do I get all these barriers to jump over and water pits to go through? I hate wet shoes! How do I find the strength to keep going when I am out of steam, my feet hurt, and there’s yet another hurdle up ahead?

The writer of Hebrews gives the answer: by fixing my eyes on Jesus.

The definition of “fix” is, “to set or place securely, to direct steadily, to determine with accuracy.” And that’s just it. I must determinedly focus my eyes straight ahead on Jesus and truths from His Word. All day and every day! I must intentionally remind myself of His promises. I must remember that Jesus himself “endured the cross” for the joy set before Him. I endure each difficult step with Jesus in view. Then I can fight against the barriers of sin that come upon me, and throw off the weights of fear, anxiety and shame that the enemy wants to pile on. I can keep pushing forward, and even take the time to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful view.

I do this with the last few words of the verse in mind. Jesus is the founder and perfecter of my faith. He was with me when the starting gun went off. And He will be holding that gold medal to put around my neck when I cross that finish line! 
Someday we will be able to say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7