RUN YOUR RACE!

BY PASTOR JASON BRIESACHER

THEREFORE, SINCE WE ARE SURROUNDED BY A HUGE CROWD OF WITNESSES TO THE LIFE OF FAITH, LET US STRIP OFF EVERY WEIGHT THAT SLOWS US DOWN, ESPECIALLY THE SIN THAT SO EASILY TRIPS US UP. AND LET US RUN WITH ENDURANCE THE RACE GOD HAS SET BEFORE US.

HEBREWS 12:1 (NLT)

Grit. Determination. Perseverance. They are born when you push yourself farther today than yesterday.

These character traits are desirable, but are they attainable?

A study was done with college cyclists. They were placed on a stationary bike and asked to pedal hard for 30 minutes. They were exhausted at the 25-minute mark but INCREASED their cycles per minute as they approached the 30-minute mark. They saw the finish line and pushed harder than before. During the second phase, the cyclists were placed side by side. Over the 30-minute exercise, their cycles per minute doubled. Finally, a crowd was brought in to watch the training. Their production tripled!

This study teaches us that mental fortitude causes grit, determination, and perseverance. The race God places before us is more important than anything else we will ever do. One day, we will stand before Him, wanting to be proud of our race. So, how do we increase our perseverance?

First, we must look at the example of those before us in the race. Hebrews 12 tells us that we need to keep our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith! He ran the race perfectly and, even under extreme stress, including His death on the cross, ran with endurance. He is our example and trainer, helping us run with proper form.

Second, we need someone to run with us. We need an accountability partner—someone who can help us become more like Jesus while running the race. We were not meant to run this race alone, so find an accountability partner!

Your accountability partner will be someone you know who follows Jesus. Be honest with them and encourage them to do the same. It will take some time for the relationship to develop into one of loving correction. Share a struggle and ask them to help you stand firm when facing temptation. They will do the same. An accountability partner enables you to push harder in your walk with Jesus.

Finally, we need to remember there are witnesses everywhere. People are watching you, whether you recognize it or not. Let us strip off the weight of sin that slows us down and run with endurance! We will not only finish the race strong, but also inspire others to do the same.