Be encouraged!

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.— Hebrews 12:1

Professional athletes know that when a hometown crowd rises to their feet in a stadium and cheers at the top of their lungs, something powerful happens. From Super Bowls to World Series, the combined voices of so many fans passionately cheering on their team gives athletes the ability to achieve greatness.

As one player puts it, “When the fans are with you, their voices come together in a big booming rush of sound that you can actually feel in your body – almost like a wave that lifts you and carries you past your own limits.”

This is what it’s like for God’s people as we run the race of faith.

You are not alone in your Christian life. As the author of Hebrews says, you’re surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. These are the great heroes of the faith like Abraham, Moses, David, and others – men and women whose lives bear testimony to the faithfulness of God so you can be inspired to live for Him now.

Though their race is over and they stand in glory at the finish line, their example cheers us on today. So be encouraged by their company, and draw strength from their testimony to God’s goodness and love.

Prayer Challenge

Pray for encouragement and inspiration as you run the race of faith. Ask God to help you see His faithfulness in the lives of believers from the past.

Questions for thought

Who from Scripture inspires you by their example of a life lived well for God? Why?

How will your life inspire others to run the race of faith well?