The Key to Finishing Strong

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before 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.” Hebrews 12:1-2

The Apostle Paul draws upon striking athletic imagery in his letter to the Hebrews that instructs us on how to run so that we may win: “... lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us...” (Heb. 12:1).

An encumbrance is not a sin. It may be habits, affections, or circumstances which prevent us from running well. It may be overindulgence in food or drink, preoccupation with work, or a heavy financial debt. The sin is an area of disobedience that we secretly desire to protect. By God’s grace, lay all of them aside and refuse to assume their load again.

“...run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1). A steady pace of daily obedience and trust is the life that wins. Endurance comes from living one day a time, refusing to buckle under the weight of tomorrow. “Fixing our eyes on Jesus...” (Heb. 12:2). The word fix means “to look away from all else that distracts.”

The race is usually lost when we mentally lock in on our circumstances or problems. The key to living and finishing strong is to look to and depend completely upon the power, person, and promises of Christ.

“Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim...”
1 Corinthians 9:26