“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such 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. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” (NLT)

Have you ever been a runner?  

‍

Back in college, I was part of the school’s marathon team. Running long distances can often feel like a solitary pursuit—just you and the road ahead—but I quickly learned that I was never truly alone out there. Behind every race was a season of preparation with coaches and teammates who trained alongside me, challenged me, and believed in me. Some even ran beside me during the races themselves. My best friend and I would pace each other, talking through the miles and lifting each other up when fatigue started to settle in. When I wanted to slow down or quit, it was their encouragement that kept me going. They helped me push past my limits—and they were the first to celebrate with me at the finish line.

‍

The image in Hebrews 12 is powerful: a race, a cheering crowd, and a singular goal—Jesus. But this isn’t just any race. It’s the race of faith, and we’re not running it alone. The “huge crowd of witnesses” are those who have run before us—generations of believers whose faith endured through storms, suffering, and sacrifice. Their stories line the track behind us, reminding us that perseverance is possible because others have already persevered.

‍

Knowing we are part of this spiritual legacy shifts our perspective. We’re not isolated runners gasping for air in a lonely struggle. We are part of a sacred relay—handing off the baton of faith from one generation to the next. Just as those before us laid down their lives in obedience to God, we too are called to run faithfully—not just for ourselves, but for those who will come after.

This truth encourages us to throw off what hinders us. Why? Because others are watching—not just the saints in heaven, but also the children in our homes, the friends we do life with, and the future believers we may never meet. Our race has purpose beyond our own finish line.

‍

But ultimately, our strength to persevere doesn’t come from looking at the crowd—it comes from fixing our eyes on Jesus. He is both the example and the enabler of our faith. He endured the cross for the result he and the Father set in motion (a path for us to get back into relationship with God), and He empowers us to endure for the joy of seeing future generations walk with Him.

‍

Reflection Questions:

In my running days, I would occasionally have to remind myself of the support structure that was around me to help me be successful. In the same way, here are some questions that I find helpful to remind me of the support structure that you and I have around us for this race we are called to run:  

• Who are the faithful “witnesses” in my life whose legacy has encouraged my faith?  

• What burdens or sins might I need to lay down to run more freely today? (Drop the ankle weights!)

• How might my perseverance in faith today leave a mark on someone else’s tomorrow?

Lord, thank You for those who came before me, whose lives have strengthened my faith. Help me to run my race with perseverance, not for my own sake, but for the sake of those who will follow. Fix my eyes on Jesus and help me to leave behind a trail of faith for the next generation. Amen.