Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)
It seems like a rather simple concept. As we run the race of life, all we need to do is focus on Jesus to set the pace and direction and the journey will be easy and successful. Mic drop time. Right? If it were only that simple.
In High School I participated in track and cross country. My first two years in track I ran the mile and two-mile races, about 20-30 minutes apart. I was not a very bright child. Vomit boy nickname is hard to lose. Between my Sophomore and Junior years I grew 6”. I went from slacks to capris, but not by choice. Yet one good thing is I found the longer legs gave me an advantage. In track, instead of running the 2-mile race during the field events, I successfully took over the high jump. Instead of running the mile, I found that I could run over the hurdles easily – 110 & 220 yards was a significant improvement over the mile.
In cross country I was more of a middle of the pack type runner. I did not lead or seem to figure out the pace concept very well. Our CC course was run in a wooded area of gravel road and snowmobile trails. No spectators, only runners to concentrate on. Early in my Junior year, I noticed that my strides were longer than others – remember that 6” spurt. I found that if I concentrated on matching the stride of the person in front of me, I would overtake them, and then move on to the next person, overtake them, and so on. Suddenly, my focus changed, and I was typically caught up to the leader by the last quarter mile and a sprint out to the end. From middle of the pack follower to placing 1 or 2 all because of a simple focus point. Side note: I never quite broke the 5-minute goal in the mile, but numerous times I ran a sub 5-minute mile pace in CC. This still baffles me.
Back to our lesson. How many times do we find ourselves as middle of pack participants? Letting others lead, allowing others to set the pace and direction for our lives. Especially in our spiritual and faithful lives. Often getting sent down a rabbit hole or off our desired path. Jesus is reminding us that our one focus point is to be on God and by the example He provided in the gift of His son, our Savior Jesus Christ. The Bible provides us great examples and Jesus shared with us a pace and direction through His words. Can it really be that simple?
Questions for Reflection:
- Do you find yourself being diverted from your desired faith journey by others? Is it time to revisit the words of Jesus to refocus our pace and direction?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, As we run the race of life, please help me to not lose focus on You, and the teachings that You provided through the gift of your Son Jesus Christ. Help me to find my spiritual pace as it leads me closer to my Love for You and others. Amen.
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