Running the Race

Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

I was blessed to be able to fly home for major breaks during my student years at BJU. I am normally always excited to have a connecting flight since I love to fly. One certain connection flight would take a lot of faith and trust in my almighty God. The time waiting for my first flight repeatedly got delayed later and later, making my connection flight look unrealistic. Worrying is my instinctive response, but thankfully, I trust in an amazing God, so I remember praying about my concerns. I went ahead with the flight since I did not know what to do, although I knew I would be in a pickle if I got stuck at the airport alone. I prayed and relied on God to take care of me. I landed the flight with 10 minutes to spare. Thankfully, the airline announced that I should immediately get off the flight due to my connection time; otherwise, my shy self would have been one of the last off! Unfortunately, my connection was located completely across the airport. Worst of all, my back was loaded with a heavy backpack carrying monstrous college textbooks and other belongings. Although I normally love to run, I began to miserably run with my unbearable burden as fast I could with the precious minutes passing by. I remember pausing for a few seconds in the middle to catch my breath and praying for strength as I continued my comical run through the airport. As I was running, the verse came to mind “… let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us”. I wanted to shed the burdensome weight so badly, but I needed my belongings. Although no matter our circumstances, God is Good and God is Great, and I still got to praise the Lord for making to the gate! It was such a relief to toss my backpack under the seat and relax during the flight home.

The experience was an excellent reminder to me to trust God and cast all our burdens on Him alone! How often do we find ourselves carrying unnecessary baggage? The Christians race is not for the faint of heart, but thankfully, we do not need our own strength because God gives us the strength to do whatever He sets before us (Philippians 4:11-13). If we carry our cares of the world alone, then our Christian race will be slowed down, hindering our relationship with God and darkening our light for Christ. Jesus desires to take our worries and remove our burdens.

Jesus stands with open arms ready to take your cares. Precious Heavenly Father, please help us trust you with ALL our heart, no matter the circumstances.

Psalm 55:22 "Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you;
He shall never permit the righteous to be moved."

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

-Helen H. Lemmel