As I talk with various friends I realize how much we each have to do and what a huge calling we all have together to bring others into the Kingdom of God. How are we going to get it all done with the time we have on a daily basis and the time we each have on earth? I think only by fixing our eyes on Jesus and purpose in our hearts to finish our race—daily. We must never lose sight of the biggest picture—to bring people to the Kingdom of God, to give God the glory in all we do, to help and love each other as Jesus loves us. Today I want to encourage you to finish your race by sharing this devotional from my book Devotions for Working Women. Enjoy!
Finish Your Race by Keeping Your Eyes on Jesus
# 228
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT)
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 hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish.
Jesus endured His own race here on earth. He “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame” (v. 2 KJV). Jesus’ reward for finishing His race is all of us living eternally in heaven with Him. Now, He is our helper during our race. He is the author and finisher of our faith, from the moment we start our race until we finish.
Don’t give up running your race at work and at home despite the suffering, the circumstances, or whatever situation you are going through. Cling to Jesus and He will help you continue the race. When you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus only, everything else will seem small. You will have the strength to fight, to get up, and finish your race. “For God had far better things in mind for us that would also benefit them, for they can’t receive the prize at the end of the race until we finish the race” (Hebrews 11:40 NLT). “Them” in this passage refers to our fathers in the faith—what they started, we have to finish. They finished their race. Now we must finish ours so they can receive their prize together with us.
In order to finish our race, we also have to strip ourselves from sin and things of this world that are slowing our progress. We cannot afford the weight of sin on our lives. We must finish our race!