Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne (Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT).

This morning, I read about trusting God in frightening and precarious situations and how many of the characters, who were real people, depended on the strength that God gave them. David trusted God to battle a giant who was nine feet tall and defeated him. Daniel was commanded to pray only to King Darius for thirty days, but he continued to pray three times a day to God. Because he disobeyed the kings orders, he was thrown into a den of lions over night and survived. Sarah, was promised she and Abraham would produce a nation that numbered the sands of the sea, and at age 90, gave birth to a son. Those examples of faith reminded me of a time years ago when I learned to ride a motorcycle along a narrow trail in the woods…

“Keep your eyes on the path ahead of you,” he warned, “Don’t look at anything that will trip you up. Look at the path, not the rocks.” Those were words of advice given to me by my husband. It was my first adventure, riding my motorcycle along a bike trail. He was the expert. I, the novice. Instead of following the smooth part of the road, my eyes kept straying to the rocks and deep ruts. When I looked at them, my wheels went right toward them and tipped me off balance. I slowly fell along with the bike, had to pick up the unwieldy thing that seemed heavier each time I fell. I’d  climb back on, kickstart it, and continue my ride. I was losing energy with the challenge. I kept mumbling to myself, “Keep your eyes ahead on the smooth part of the trail.”

That was just the trick. If I looked at the smoother part of the trail, I could maneuver the bike–a Yamaha Enduro 175–and keep up with the more experienced riders. I felt more confident—and I didn’t fall as much either. 

Sometimes my walk with Christ can be like that clumsy ride on the bumpy trail that first time. Often, I look at the situation and focus on what can prevent me from doing my best. My feelings of  inadequacies, sometimes my laziness, or “rocks and ruts” that prevent me from running the race that is set before me and throw me off course. I must look to Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith (12:2). 

“Lord, as I start my day, help me to run the race You have marked out for me. Let me not be discouraged by the rocks in my path and the sin of comparison and envy. Thank You that You have a specific race in this life for me. Help me to look to You instead of the obstacles as I run this race of life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

I’ll share a favorite song from Jars of Clay singing an old hymn, “Hiding Place”. May it encourage you to run to the One who will shield you and protect you in His hiding place:

 

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