Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 

Hebrews 12: 1-2

Over the weekend I had a lot of time to think about this question – Why is it that many lack the endurance needed to finish strong in their Christian faith?

Does instant gratification sound familiar? How many infomercials have you seen that promise immediate results? How impatient are we? But it is true that spiritual disciplines take time to provide a benefit and setting aside time for God in our lives sounds too unrealistic for some, right?

The writer of Hebrews tells us to do four things in the passage above:
 

• Lay aside the weights – Are there “good” things in our lives that distract us from our walk with Christ?
• Rid ourselves of the sin that “clings so closely” – If you need a list, take a look at Colossians 3:5-8.
• Let us run with endurance the race before us – the Christian life is not a sprint, but a marathon.
• Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith – “So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air “(1 Corinthians 9:26).

Think of those steps above. Is there anything at all that is interfering with your ability to run your race? Is there one area that stands out from the rest? Let us take the steps necessary to be faithful and finish strong.