Running the Race

Many, many people all around the world have watched the Olympics in Beijing this month. I join in the crowd of those who love to see the young athletes who have worked so hard for many years achieve their final goal of a gold, silver or bronze medal. In much the same way, God’s word tells us that we, as Christian servants, are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who are cheering us on in our “endurance race” called the Christian life.

I want you to know that we are cheering you on as you live a life of faith, endurance and service for our Lord. You are champions who may never know this side of heaven just how much your life is impacting those around you, including and especially women here in America! We “see” your life lived for the Lord, and as the apostle Paul told the church in Thessalonica,

“We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you.” 1 Thessalonians 1:3-4

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

So let’s run forward together, with our eyes fixed on our precious, holy and wonderful Lord Jesus. Unlike the Olympian athletes, our victory is already won, for He has won the victory for us on the cross!