Keep running with the Gospel
How to Keep Running Your Faith Race in the New Year
As we transition from one year to the next, it's natural to reflect on what we've accomplished and wonder what lies ahead. Whether you enjoyed the past year or simply endured it, there's encouragement to be found in understanding how to run the race of faith with purpose and endurance.
What Does It Mean to Be Surrounded by a Cloud of Witnesses?
The passage in Hebrews 12:1-2 begins with a powerful image: "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."
This "cloud of witnesses" refers to the heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11 - people like Noah, Abraham, David, and Moses. These aren't just historical figures to admire from a distance. The imagery suggests they're actively cheering us on as we run our own race of faith.
Why Their Story Matters for Your Journey
What makes this even more remarkable is that Hebrews 11:39-40 tells us these faith heroes "did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us, they should not be made perfect." This suggests that somehow, the way we run our race affects them too.
One day, we'll join this cloud of witnesses, cheering on future generations. But for now, it's our race to run, and no one else can run it for us.
How Should You Run Your Faith Race?
Run Inspired
Inspired runners run better. When you understand that heaven itself is rooting for you, it changes how you approach your spiritual journey. You're not running alone - you have the greatest cheerleading section in history encouraging you forward.
Run for Distance
The Christian life isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. The Greek word used for "race" in this passage is "agon," which describes the experience of struggle and endurance when your body wants to give up but you keep going.
Why Endurance Matters More Than Speed
It's easy to run hard for a short while, but running for a long distance requires preparation, training, and pacing. The word "endurance" appears six times in just 50 verses surrounding this passage, emphasizing its importance.
After a year of spiritual growth and accomplishment, there's a danger of experiencing what could be called "spiritual letdown." Just as mountain climbers can become careless after reaching their summit, we might be tempted to scale back our spiritual efforts after a season of growth.
Don't Shrink Back
Hebrews 10:39 reminds us: "But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls." Perhaps God has more planned for you than just what you accomplished last year. If you're not dead, then He's not done with you.
Run Focused
Focused runners run better because they keep their eyes on the prize. Jesus is our ultimate example - He "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."
What Was Jesus' Joy?
Jesus didn't delight in the suffering of the cross, but He found joy in:
Submitting to and obeying the Father's will
Defeating death and conquering sin
Making a way for us to be reconciled to God
Returning to His rightful place at the Father's right hand
What Rewards Await Those Who Endure?
The book of Hebrews balances the call to endurance with promises of reward. We work hard and endure difficulty, but we do so knowing that God has good things in store for us.
Consider how much effort people put into temporary rewards - career advancement, financial gain, or personal comfort. How much more should we invest in eternal rewards and the incorruptible kingdom of God?
Celebrating Present Victories
Even now, we can see the fruit of faithful endurance. Stories emerge of spouses praying for 18 years before their partner steps into church, or individuals feeling God's call again after years of spiritual dryness. These victories remind us that our faithful running impacts people we may never even know.
Life Application
As you enter this new year, commit to keep running with the gospel. Don't just maintain your current pace - keep striving forward. This might look like:
Asking God for another "one" to pray for and reach
Taking a spiritual formation course
Starting to serve again or in a new capacity
Going on a mission trip
Hosting neighborhood gatherings to build relationships
Adding midday scripture reading or evening prayer to your routine
Reading scripture to your family every night
The possibilities are endless, and so are the rewards. One day you'll discover how your faithful running impacted someone's life in ways you never imagined.
Questions for Reflection:
In what areas of your spiritual life are you tempted to "scale back" after a season of growth?
How does knowing that heaven is cheering you on change your perspective on current challenges?
What specific step will you take this week to "keep running with the gospel" rather than just maintaining your current spiritual pace?
