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“Let us run the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

Every sermon I’ve heard on Hebrews 12:1-3 has focused on the race analogy, pastors drawing vibrant pictures of Christians circling the same oblong race track, discarding bad habits weighing them down, Old Testament saints wildly cheering them on from the seats in the stadium. The message was always “how to win life’s race.” 

But is this the Christian life? Everyone running around the same track with the goal of “winning” (whatever that means)? Looking at this passage now, trying to get past that catalogue of sermon images, I am struck most by this phrase: “let us run the race marked out for us” (12:1, emphasis added). That has the ring of individuality to it.

Yes, we all start from the same place: faith in Jesus. But after that, each of our paths will differ. 

Think about the race track. Some may run an even, paved stadium race track, but plenty of races wind through woods, up hills, through water even. We may even change course depending on life’s seasons - the path ahead may be clear and easy for a while; rough and uneven during those child-raising years or when illness strikes. 

We may run with others at first, high five’s all around as we start this new venture. Soon, though, crowds dissipate. As you run solitary for a season, remember those unseen witnesses (12:1) who’ve run the race before you and are now cheering you on. Round the corner, see a group ahead, and feel the challenge they offer: wait for me! We draw strength from others navigating the course.

What about the pace? From that starting block, do we race forward, lightning fast, so “on fire” for God that we just have to get going? Or are we a little slower off the block, pacing ourselves, because we know the race will be long? Are you in a long slog uphill right now? Whatever your pace, and it will change, it’s not likely to match your fellow Christians’ pace. While you might be alternately challenged or discouraged by their progress and speed, don’t measure yours against theirs; this is your race to finish, at your pace.

Runners train before a race, perhaps for years, but Christians train on the go. As we attend church, hear sermons, read Scripture, and receive godly advice from friends, we learn more and more what will help us run the race well. Then we can more easily navigate those obstacles that distract us. 

Yes, obstacles. Hebrews 12:1 urges Christians to beware of what “hinders” and “entangles” them in their race. Of course, runners don’t run in sweatshirts and ankle weights, and what hinders you in your Christian walk might not hinder me in mine. Some of our obstacles are obvious, like the sweatshirt; we know a particular sin will affect our race, so it’s excellent advice to be told get rid of that before we start running. Along the way, though, we’ll face additional hindrances: hills that challenge our commitment, maybe even make us want to quit. The issue now, as we’re running, is this: have we been getting stronger from our on-the-go training so we’re better able to skirt the obstacle, push up the hill, ford the rushing water? Running a well-run race means taking no shortcuts around the tough sections. 

Our ultimate goal is heaven, of course, but our race also involves running well. One benchmark of progress is a heart changing to reflect our Savior’s character. Yes, our obstacles are many, and they’re difficult. The key to not “grow weary and lose heart” (12:3) is to “fix our eyes on Jesus” (12:2). Jesus took no shortcuts to the cross. His perseverance in the face of obstacles which we will never have to endure should encourage us when faced with our own. Jesus’ radiant beauty will begin to shine through us, even if faintly at first, as we grow in His character and cast off more and more of what hinders our progress.

And that’s a race being well run.

God may not have an easy track marked out for you, but we can trust He’ll be with us on the grassy fairway or on the root-strewn, rocky path. Picture a difficult time in your Christian “race”; thank God you can now see exactly how He was with you, helping you.

While we may feel alone sometimes, we don’t run this race in isolation. We are still members of a family, a circle of friends, a church. Contemplate a time when you felt alone but were comforted by others. How did God orchestrate that?

Now the tough one: what distractions and hindrances impede your Christian walk? Could they include pleasing others, jealousy, bad habits, worry, a particular friendship? Ask God what He would like to remove; seek His help.