Hebrews 12:1 ERV “We have all these great people around us as examples. Their lives tell us what faith means. So we, too, should run the race that is before us and never quit. We should remove from our lives anything that would slow us down and the sin that so often makes us fall.”

I wonder how many times we’ve stopped just this side of our breakthrough? It must be like watching your child run a race and quit just out of site of the finish line. No amount of cheering, prodding and pleading will move them any closer, they’re tired and they just quit. How frustrating to watch this day after day. 

I’ve had friends who’ve quit the race. They’re tired of trying, tired of never seeing the end. I think that’s why we are to encourage one another with the Word and not stop gathering together in unity. It’s important to not alienate ourselves from the very body that contains the life giving blood of Jesus. Hey, some bodies are diseased and distorted, but there are bodies or churches out there that believe the entire Word of God as the Way, the Truth and the Life. Please find one and STAY in the race!

Father, I commit to run the race with everything in me. When I grow weary, I will pray! When I’m discouraged, I will read your Word and encourage myself. I will turn my eyes upon you, pray for others with everything thats in me as if my life depended on my prayers. If I do not live like this, than others may quit the race as I look on. PLEASE don’t quit the race, my dear friend. If you can’t run anymore, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, if you can’t crawl, call someone but whatever you do, do NOT stop running toward the prize because others are watching you run.