Margaret Armanious

The Race Before Us Margaret Armanious

It's a scene of restless energy and anticipation. Moments before the start of a marathon, a sea of runners take their position and wait for their cue. Finally, with one shotgun blast, they jolt past the starting line, full of hope and adrenaline. As the miles wear on, they are left with the task of completing a long and demanding physical challenge. Many may fail, but for those that persevere, the reward is worth all the effort. Using the rich metaphor of a grueling foot race, Hebrews 12:1-3 draws a very descriptive correlation between the commitment of an athletic goal and our own spiritual perseverance in this life: Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. By comparing our lives to a footrace, this passage encourages us as Christians to prepare and condition our hearts and minds to run a race worthy of God's calling upon our lives. Whether you feel like you are just running in place, or simply desire to build a more focused faith, this study offers a closer look at God's perspective to gain that momentum: - How to identify and cast away the spiritual weights that slacken our pace - How to recognize the entanglements of sin that keep us from moving forward - How to develop a faith that is conditioned to endure throughout the trials of life Written in a verse-by-verse, interactive format, this study will guide the reader from the starting line of their own journey to discover the rich rewards along the way. It is written with the focus on Christ as our one Perfect Example, the Source of our hope and strength to keep the faith and finish strong.