Hebrews 12:1-2 (CEV) – Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won't let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. 2 We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew later on he would be glad He did. Now He is seated at the right side of God's throne
(AMP) – says, “strip off every unnecessary weight - run with endurance and active persistence.”
Our Purpose:
bear testimony to the truth
strip off and throw aside every encumbrance – every sin that so readily (deftly and cleverly) cling to and entangle us
run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence, our appointed course
look away from all that distracts from Jesus
Jesus is the head and source of our faith—the power, creator and sustainer who sparks our trust in God and carries it to completion
Acts 20:24 (CEV) - But I don't care what happens to me, as long as I finish the work the Lord Jesus gave me to do. And this work is to tell the good news about God's gift of undeserved grace.
1 Peter 3:14 (CEV) - Even if you have to suffer for doing good things, God will bless you. So stop being afraid and don't worry about what people might do.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 (CEV) - I have fought well. I have finished the race, and I have been faithful. 8 So a crown will be given to me for pleasing the Lord. He judges fairly, and on the day of judgment He will give a crown to me and to everyone else who wants him to appear with power.
James 1:12 (CEV) - God will bless you, if you don't give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as He rewards everyone who loves him.
Revelation 12:11 (AMP) - And they overcame and conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death.
Prayed…
We’ prayed for God’s grace to help us finish the race (the courses/purposes/destinies) set before each one of us (which is an active, enabling spiritual force—it gives us the strength, ability, and energy to do what we cannot do on our own). Zechariah 4:6b (CEV) - ....I am the Lord All-Powerful. So don't depend on your own power or strength, but on my Spirit.