Choosing by Faith to run the Race

Life is filled with unfinished projects. We start diets we don't complete, exercise routines that fade after a few weeks, and goals that remain perpetually on our "someday" list. This struggle with finishing what we start isn't just about willpower—it's often about understanding our divine assignment and committing to see it through, regardless of the obstacles.

The Christian life is fundamentally about finishing. Not just beginning with enthusiasm, but crossing the finish line with determination and faith. This isn't merely about personal achievement; it's about fulfilling the specific purpose God has designed for each of us.

The Cloud of Witnesses

Hebrews 12:1 reminds us that we are "surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses." These aren't passive spectators—they're examples of people who fought the good fight and finished their race by faith. From Abraham, who left idol worship behind, to Moses, who carried the weight of his past mistakes, to Mary, who endured shame and insult—each one completed their divine assignment despite overwhelming challenges.

These witnesses prove something vital: God doesn't choose perfect people. He chooses willing people. He knew everything about them before He called them, just as He knows everything about us. Their imperfections didn't disqualify them; their faith propelled them forward.

The beauty of this truth is that we have both biblical and personal examples. We've witnessed people in our own lives who have kept the faith, walked the narrow path, and chose to live for Jesus despite circumstances that could have derailed them. Their testimonies aren't just inspiring stories—they're proof that finishing is possible.

Laying Aside the Weights

The second part of Hebrews 12:1 contains a crucial instruction: "Let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us." This imagery is powerful. Athletes who want to run fast don't carry unnecessary baggage. They strip down to essentials, removing anything that might slow their pace.

What are the weights in your life? They're not necessarily bad things—they're simply things that hinder your forward momentum. Maybe it's bitterness that keeps you looking backward instead of forward. Perhaps it's resentment that drains your emotional energy. It could be anger that clouds your judgment or distractions that pull your focus away from your divine assignment.

The Holy Spirit is willing to reveal these weights if we ask. He doesn't want interference any more than we should. He wants us running free, unencumbered by anything that prevents us from becoming who God created us to be.

Then there's sin—the things we know we shouldn't be doing. Sometimes we're aware of these patterns; other times, we need divine revelation to recognize them. The goal isn't shame but freedom. Sin doesn't just offend God; it hinders our effectiveness and blocks our prayers. As 1 Peter 3:7 indicates, even something as seemingly small as harsh words to a spouse can create a barrier between us and God.

Looking to Jesus

Hebrews 12:2-3 directs our attention to the ultimate example: "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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Jesus had joy set before Him—and that joy was us. While we were yet sinners, Christ died. He endured torture, abuse, and unimaginable suffering because He had you and me in mind. His willingness to finish His assignment, despite the cost, should inspire us to finish ours.

All He asks in return is that we live lives that reflect Him to others. Is that too much to ask when He's already secured our eternity? Our goal should be simple: carry as many people with us to heaven as possible.

The Hard Cases

Not every assignment is easy. Sometimes God places challenging people in our path—individuals who resist the gospel, who push back against truth, who seem impossible to reach. These assignments test our commitment and strengthen our faith.

Consider the case where the Pastor shared with a person who took seven years to accept Christ. Seven years of persistence, prayer, and patient witness. That's not a failure of evangelism—that's faithfulness in action. And often, while we think we're helping someone else, God is using that very situation to strengthen us, to deepen our knowledge of Scripture, and to develop our character.

The hard cases aren't mistakes. God already knows who will be saved. He places them in our path for mutual benefit—their salvation and our sanctification.

The Danger of Distraction

One of the enemy's most effective tactics isn't direct opposition—it's distraction. Like a runner who looks back at competitors instead of focusing on the finish line, we can lose our race by taking our eyes off the goal.

Samson accomplished God's purposes but never enjoyed them because he never built a relationship with God. Jonah completed his assignment but missed the blessing because he did it grudgingly. Both finished, but neither experienced the joy that comes from willing obedience.

We can do what God asks without truly engaging with Him, and in doing so, we forfeit the blessing. The goal isn't just completion—it's joyful participation in God's work.

Your Divine Assignment

Every born-again believer has been chosen for a purpose. Jeremiah 1:5 reminds us that God knew us before we were formed, and Jeremiah 29:11 assures us He has plans to give us hope and a future. You're not an accident, and your assignment isn't random.

There's somebody who needs to hear what you have to say. There's a situation that requires your specific gifts and experiences. God has strategically positioned you for kingdom impact.

The question isn't whether you're capable—if God called you, you're equipped. The question is whether you'll choose by faith to finish the race.

The Finish Line

Paul's declaration in 2 Timothy 4:7-8 should be every believer's goal: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness."

That crown isn't earned in heaven—it's earned here through faithful service. And it's available not just to Paul, but to all who fight the good fight.

Don't let anyone else do your assignment. Don't allow distractions to derail your purpose. Don't permit weights and sins to slow your pace. Choose today, by faith, to finish the race God has set before you. He believes in you—now it's time to believe in yourself and in the One who called you.

The finish line awaits, and with it, the words every believer longs to hear: "Well done, good and faithful servant."