I have always resonated with the Bible’s various analogies of running a race. As a track athlete in high school and in university, I ran lots of races around the oval track. Many of them were grueling and exhausting. So, when the author of Hebrews says, “Run the race with perseverance,” my mind goes back to the determination it took to keep moving forward when my legs felt like cement and my lungs were burning from giving it all I had. Perseverance is the perfect word! It took that and more to finish the race.
Ministry is so much like running a race. There are days when you feel tired and weighed down and other days when you feel like you have a “second wind” – energy to run kilometers more. There are ups and downs, victories and struggles, and the journey around the ministry track is unforgettable.
As an organization, Reconciled World will celebrate the completion of five years of ministry on October 1, 2018. Yeah! What a “race” of faith it has been. And for many of you reading this blog your journey, whether connected to Reconciled World or not, has surely been a race of faith and grace as well. Whether it seems like you are starting a new lap of the race or struggling through the back stretch of your journey, find encouragement through the words of Hebrews 12:1-2.
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, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NIV, NASB)
As I studied this passage a few weeks ago I came away with three words of encouragement to guide us for the ministry journey ahead.
1. Look at the winners.
In verse one there is a great statement that talks about the cloud of witnesses surrounding us. The reference here connects us back one chapter to Hebrews 11, where there is a long list of amazing men and women who finished the race of faith with perseverance. Their determination came as they were flogged, abused, jeered, stoned, and martyred for their faith. I don’t believe this phrase “surrounded by a cloud of witnesses” means they are standing in heaven somewhere cheering us on with cow bells and whistles. I do think it is meant to encourage us in knowing that these men and women proclaim a testimony that “faith” is worth it!
As you face adversity, fatigue, and challenges in your journey, look at the amazing saints who have gone before you. See their testimony and be encouraged that their witness tells you that your faith in Jesus is worth it and that God will see you through.
You are not alone. Others have gone before you. Be encouraged and find strength in their story!
2. Look at yourself.
Athletes often wear weights on their ankles and wrists during training. Then as they step to the line for a race, they shed the weights so they are free to run with extra strength and vigor.
As you and I run the race of faith we must recognize that the sin we carry is like extra baggage that is slowing us down. Sin “entangles” and “hinders” us from living into the purpose for which we were created. It puts our focus on distractions—idols, selfishness, pride, competition, and notoriety —not on the kingdom of God, which we are called to be building. Hebrews says get rid of it! Shed it off and run with perseverance the race marked out for you.
If you are struggling to push forward and realize there is some sin baggage holding you down, seek some help. Go to God, talk to a friend, and seek to allow the Holy Spirit to heal you.
3. Look at Jesus Christ
We finish the race the same way we started it—by faith! And we do that by fixing our eyes on Jesus.
To “fix on” something is to give it your attention, to look straight at it and at nothing else.[1] Thus, to “fix your eyes on Jesus” means to choose Him and nothing else.
Fix your eyes on Jesus when:
- you feel like you are without direction
- you are lonely
- others let you down
- you are dissatisfied
- you are angry
- you are setting your goals
- you are tempted
- you are afraid
- you’ve struck it rich
- you’ve been misunderstood.
Fix your eyes on Jesus in the high’s and low’s, the victories and struggles. And remember that Jesus is the beginning and the end, Alpha and Omega, author and perfecter, first and last. May you find encouragement in whatever you face as you fix your eyes on Jesus.
I hope you will allow these three simple encouragements to shape your ministry journey. While I don’t know what exactly God has set before us as an organization or you as a ministry leader in the coming days, I am excited for what lays ahead. Partnering with Jesus to build the kingdom of God is a great privilege! May we look at the winners who have gone before us, take the time to look properly at ourselves, and always look to Jesus for strength and endurance to run the race marked out for us. To God be the glory!
Growth Point:
The journey of faith is best run with your eyes fixed on Jesus.
Scripture Point:
Read Hebrews 11 and be encouraged by the list of 17 men and women who have endured in faith.
Action Point:
Reflect on your faith journey. How have you fixed your eyes on Jesus? In what ways can you better fix your eyes on Jesus in the season to come? Write down the items that come to mind and commit to making any desired changes this week.
enjoyed reading it John thanks