The race set before us!

Scott Harman August 01, 2026 3 3

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Hebrews 12: 1 (NIV-UK)

12 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,

Faith is a team sport.  

13.1 miles to go. Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake, on my left. And a massive crowd of people all around me. All heading to the same finish line. The ‘Grandma’s Marathon’ half marathon is about to start! Not my first race, but my first race with my son at my side. He’ll be much faster than me today. My wife will run the full marathon later. My daughter completed the 5K the day before. Overall over 20,000 will participate. Right now, immersed in this great cloud of runners awaiting the starting gun, I can’t count them, but I feel energized! I feel confident! I’m not thinking about how I’m going to feel at mile 10. Any doubt is gone. Look at this great cloud of witnesses!  

You don’t have to do this alone.

Hebrews 12:1 says, “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,”

What are you facing? Whatever it is, you don’t have to do it alone. Whatever it is, someone has paved a path for you. The race is marked out.  

Noah built the ark.

Abraham travelled across the wilderness to the promised land, even though he didn’t possess it yet.

Sarah had a child even though she was past childbearing age.

Moses led the people through the sea.

The walls of Jericho fell when the people marched and played their instruments.

And what about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, “who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions.” (Hebrews 11:33)

There are too many to count!  

All these people lined up at the starting line of this big race.

And lest we forget, Jesus, the author and perfector of our 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.” (Hebrew 12: 3)

Prayer:

Thank you God for Jesus and all those who go before me! I’ll be more confident today knowing that I’m not alone. And please bless me with the opportunity to be part of that cloud of witnesses for another person today!