‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.’ - Hebrews 12:1, NLT
Whenever I read this scripture, I immediately picture myself running a race with crowds cheering me on. When my legs start to get tired and as I start to slow down, I look across and see some of my Biblical heroes cheering me on.
I picture Paul telling me to not faint or get weary of doing good (Galatians 6:9). I can hear David telling me to encourage myself in the Lord (I Samuel 30:6). Nehemiah reminds me of the fact that the Joy of the Lord is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Esther encourages me with the fact that I was born for such a time as this (Esther 4:14). Joseph tells me that God will turn every evil plan to my good (Genesis 50:20). Elisha will shout across that things will be different this time tomorrow (2 Kings 7:1). The Shunammite woman will hold up a placard with ‘It is well’ written on it (2 Kings 4). When I look at the race ahead of me and feel I cannot run it, Jeremiah will remind me of the fact that nothing is impossible with God because nothing is too hard for Him (Jeremiah 32:17). And when I stumble and fall, Jesus will tell me to ‘Talitha, cumi,’ which means, ‘Little girl, I say to you, arise.’ (Mark 5:41). With all this encouragement, I muster the strength to get to my feet and keep going.
I picture Paul telling me to not faint or get weary of doing good (Galatians 6:9). I can hear David telling me to encourage myself in the Lord (I Samuel 30:6). Nehemiah reminds me of the fact that the Joy of the Lord is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Esther encourages me with the fact that I was born for such a time as this (Esther 4:14). Joseph tells me that God will turn every evil plan to my good (Genesis 50:20). Elisha will shout across that things will be different this time tomorrow (2 Kings 7:1). The Shunammite woman will hold up a placard with ‘It is well’ written on it (2 Kings 4). When I look at the race ahead of me and feel I cannot run it, Jeremiah will remind me of the fact that nothing is impossible with God because nothing is too hard for Him (Jeremiah 32:17). And when I stumble and fall, Jesus will tell me to ‘Talitha, cumi,’ which means, ‘Little girl, I say to you, arise.’ (Mark 5:41). With all this encouragement, I muster the strength to get to my feet and keep going.
And so, my heroes have become my personal cheerleading team – encouraging me along. They can be yours too. I take comfort knowing that others have gone before me and walked in the same path I now must take (life). That is why reading the scriptures is so important to keeping our joy, hope and strength. So I encourage you also to find heroes of your own. Read their stories and find out how they mustered strength to keep going even when it was against all odds. With such cheerleaders you will be encouraged every step of the way.
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