Grace for the Race
Life often feels like a race, filled with unexpected turns and challenges that test our endurance. We often find ourselves longing for a moment to pause, to catch our breath amidst life's turbulence. Yet, we are called not just to run but to run with endurance, empowered by the grace of God.
Hebrews 12:1-3 encourages us to draw strength from the "great cloud of witnesses" who have gone before us. Their stories, etched in the pages of Scripture, remind us of God’s unchanging faithfulness. Their lives testify to us of the enduring power of God’s grace, urging us to persevere even in the face of adversity.
We are also called to shed every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us. Just like the burdens that can slow a runner’s pace, distractions and unconfessed sins can hinder our spiritual journey. By removing these impediments, we better position ourselves to run the race set before us with renewed vigor and focus.
The ultimate source of our strength, however, is Jesus Christ himself—the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. He exemplifies endurance through the greatest hardship imaginable. Enduring the cross, he despised its shame and now sits at the right hand of the throne of God. Jesus doesn’t just inspire us; he equips us with the endurance to persevere. His presence fortifies our resolve and propels us forward, assuring us that every cross we bear will ultimately give way to a crown of victory.
In this new season, let us commit anew to fixing our eyes on Jesus. As we do, the challenges that once seemed insurmountable will grow dim in the light of His glory and grace. Through Him, our weary hands and fatigued knees find strength, enabling us to run our race with purpose and joy.
If you seek a community where you can explore these truths and more, we warmly invite you to join us for worship. Gather with us at our Classic service at 9am or our Contemporary service at 10:30am every Sunday. Let’s embark on this race of faith together, drawing strength from God's promises and each other, as we seek to live for His glory and the good of our community. We look forward to worshiping with you and sharing in the journey of faith.
Hebrews 12:1-3 encourages us to draw strength from the "great cloud of witnesses" who have gone before us. Their stories, etched in the pages of Scripture, remind us of God’s unchanging faithfulness. Their lives testify to us of the enduring power of God’s grace, urging us to persevere even in the face of adversity.
We are also called to shed every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us. Just like the burdens that can slow a runner’s pace, distractions and unconfessed sins can hinder our spiritual journey. By removing these impediments, we better position ourselves to run the race set before us with renewed vigor and focus.
The ultimate source of our strength, however, is Jesus Christ himself—the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. He exemplifies endurance through the greatest hardship imaginable. Enduring the cross, he despised its shame and now sits at the right hand of the throne of God. Jesus doesn’t just inspire us; he equips us with the endurance to persevere. His presence fortifies our resolve and propels us forward, assuring us that every cross we bear will ultimately give way to a crown of victory.
In this new season, let us commit anew to fixing our eyes on Jesus. As we do, the challenges that once seemed insurmountable will grow dim in the light of His glory and grace. Through Him, our weary hands and fatigued knees find strength, enabling us to run our race with purpose and joy.
If you seek a community where you can explore these truths and more, we warmly invite you to join us for worship. Gather with us at our Classic service at 9am or our Contemporary service at 10:30am every Sunday. Let’s embark on this race of faith together, drawing strength from God's promises and each other, as we seek to live for His glory and the good of our community. We look forward to worshiping with you and sharing in the journey of faith.
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1 Comment
Thank you, Pastor Brad, for this message. I have always understood that the great cloud of witnesses is the people who have gone before us, like you said. Recently, however, I read a devotional that said the cloud of witnesses could be those around us today who have not gone ahead of us but who watch us believers to see how we run the race, or how we deal with disappointment, or loss, or pain or . . . We are witnesses to them, in a very different sense, to the power and presence of our Lord in today's world.