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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer 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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Many of us can point to a great play or accomplishment in high school that we can look back on with pride. In high school, I was a pretty good football player. After my senior season I was first-team offense and defense for the league on the offensive line, defensive lineman of the year, and second team all-conference for defensive tackle. I had a lot of good plays (and bad ones too), but one stood out.

The running back looked like he was coming in the center/right guard hole, so I moved over to tackle him, he then bounced out to the right guard/right tackle hole. So I spun around and came up hitting with all my might. I hit the fullback so hard he went into the running back. I essentially tackled two players with one hit. It made a really loud sound. The crowd cheered. I felt good.

This is the kind of cheering the writer of Hebrews is talking about. The saints (who have lived before us) are on the sidelines … and they are going crazy, cheering for big spiritual plays.

Later in high school I had a chance to take a young classmate, Jill (who suffered with Cerebral Palsy) to the high school prom. I had recently been named “Big Man on Campus”. She got made fun of a lot; she couldn’t control some of how she walked and swallowed. I was teased a bit for taking her. I counted it an honor.

When I look at big plays in high school, I think the one The Saints in heaven cheered the most for was taking Jill to the prom. She was a wonderful young lady, acquainted with hardship and a fighter! She really blessed me more than I ever blessed her.

Today, whatever it is that seems to be hard, we are told we have a choice. We can stop the race and give in to this world, run to the Prince of Darkness.

Or we can run with perseverance the race marked out for us, letting all other things that cause us to sin or hinder us, fall by the wayside. We can fix our eyes on Jesus! He is the author and perfecter of our faith. He can grow our faith to astronomical levels, if we trust him and focus on his work. He gives us SPIRITUAL FORTITUDE! He is the finish line in our heavenly destination, when our life here is ended.

Cross, shame, death … none of these can measure up to the massive joy we experience in living a life of obedience to God and through the power of Jesus Christ!

Lord, thank you for this truth found in Hebrews. I will focus on the future goal of heaven and serve you without worrying about the hardships presented. I will actually take joy in them. This is how I am called to obediently follow my Savior, Jesus Christ. I look forward to a closer and closer relationship with you through it all!