Today was another one of those days when the devotional reading grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let go. Anytime I hear the Bible passage that inspired me to choose Running With Perseverance as the name for this blog, I am going to listen closely, and nearly every time I find new meaning in it.
I forgot I had this photo from 2013
of the church down the road from me!
Cheering Crowds
I explain more over on the “About Me” page, but the title comes from Hebrews 12:1-3:
Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith ….
I chose it to reflect my “never give up” attitude, and remind me that my ultimate goal is not a finish line here on earth.
Today’s Forward Day By Day devotion focused on the full verse of Hebrews 12:1:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.
In a previous reflection on this verse, I noted that Paul is reminding the Hebrews of the many “saints” that came before them, and drawing on the example of those “witnesses” to encourage the Hebrews to persevere in their quest to see God’s will be done on earth.
In today’s devotional, the author shared these thoughts:
I want to continuously pray for those behind me and for those in front of me, so that my life and witness might cheer others on to the finish line.
Between her words, recent race experiences, and highlights from the Boston Marathon, I am now thinking of Paul’s great “cloud of witnesses” as cheering crowds, urging us all on even though we may feel weary and may be losing heart.
My final push at the 2016 Army Ten Miler
As runners, we know that crowd support can make all the difference. Encouraging words can help us dig deep for that final push. So, too, remembering that we are not alone in our journey here on earth–that others share the burdens, hopes and workload–can help us continue to run with perseverance the course God has marked out for us.
Are you encouraged by cheering crowds?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
This is really inspirational, thanks for sharing! It really makes me think about how we can also play that role for other people and cheer them along in their journey.
Glad is resonated for you too!
I had forgotten about the meaning of your blog. It is very inspirational and a perfect it for you. Happy Easter to you
This is a nice post. It’s so true that life is easier ( in every aspect) when we have support and people “cheering us on”. Have a happy Easter weekend!