“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:1-2

Close your eyes and take in the scene, hear the ovation, picture each face and imagine seeing yourself run the race!

But something is different. Unlike most sporting events, the crowd never boos, jeers or shows their displeasure. They only want to see you succeed. If that’s not encouraging enough, the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, creator of the universe, our savior, is right there in the crowd above the stadium and is the very thing giving you the strength and endurance to run.

Many Christians struggling with feeling that love from God and yet His word says He truly loves us more than we can imagine. Although, they know, in their minds all things work together for their good (Romans 8:28) and that He has plans to prosper them (Jer. 29:11); many lose hope along the way.

The race of life has just been too hard. That’s when we MUST think of our cloud! No, not the cloud for our iPods, iPads and iTunes—our great cloud of witnesses! When we fall into sin, when life’s trials and tribulations overwhelm us; our cloud cheers for us.

“Come on!”

“Get up!”

“You can do it!”

“We believe in you!”

God cares more about the rest of the race way more than what we have done thus far! Don’t let the Devil’s discouragement and condemnation hold you back. Re-focus your eyes on Jesus!

And run like your life depends on it. Because guess what? It does.

– John Mark Brooks

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