RUNNING THE RACE WITH PURPOSE – Daily Devotional

Daily Bread Devotional:
Devotional Topic: Running the Race with Purpose
Hebrews 12:1-17

Verse of the Day: Hebrews 12:1

Devotional Message:
(Hebrews 12:1)
"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."

Devotional Message:
Let’s picture a runner in a race. Before the race even begins, they carefully prepare themselves, wearing light clothing and shoes that help them run faster. Imagine if they started the race wearing heavy clothes, carrying a backpack full of rocks. It would be almost impossible for them to reach the finish line quickly or easily. They would feel tired, weighed down, and discouraged. This is the same in our spiritual life. God has called each of us to a race, but sometimes, we carry things that slow us down—worries, fears, sins, and distractions.

The verse says that we are surrounded by a "great cloud of witnesses." These witnesses are people who have gone before us in faith, people like Abraham, Moses, and David, who lived lives full of challenges but trusted in God. They are like cheering fans in the stadium, encouraging us to keep going and not to give up. When we remember their stories, we are reminded that we can keep running our race, too.

Observation:

One of the key things we observe in this verse is the instruction to "throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles." This means that we have a responsibility to let go of anything in our lives that might slow us down or pull us away from God's purpose. Sometimes these things are not necessarily bad, but they can be distractions—like spending too much time on our phones, comparing ourselves to others, or holding onto past mistakes. Sin can also trap us, making it hard to move forward with joy and purpose. The verse is inviting us to do a self-check: What are the things in our lives that weigh us down or keep us from following God with our whole hearts?

The second part of the verse encourages us to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us." This is a reminder that life is a journey, not a sprint. It’s not about how fast we run but about staying committed, even when it gets hard. Perseverance means keeping our eyes on the finish line, on Jesus, and not giving up when things don’t go our way. It means trusting that God has a purpose for every step we take, even when the race feels tough or slow.

Application:

So how can we apply this verse to our lives today? First, let’s identify the things in our lives that might be holding us back. Maybe it's a habit that we know isn't good for us, negative thoughts that make us doubt ourselves, or even the need to please others. What can we "throw off" today so that we can run freely in the race God has set for us?

Next, let’s focus on the importance of perseverance. There will be times when we feel tired, discouraged, or ready to give up. But God promises to be with us every step of the way, giving us the strength to keep going. Just like a runner has a coach who encourages them to keep pushing forward, we have God guiding us and reminding us of the finish line.

To make it more practical, think of one small step you can take today to move closer to your goal. It might be spending a few more minutes in prayer, reading the Bible, or doing something kind for someone else. Remember, every step counts in this race, and it’s the small, steady steps that will help us reach the finish line.

Prayer:
Father God, thank you for the race you have set before us. Help us to let go of anything that holds us back and to run with perseverance, trusting that you are with us every step of the way. Give us strength when we feel weak, and help us to keep our eyes on you. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.


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October 10, 2024
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