As we, yet again, turn the calendar to a new year, I am sure that many of us have thought about the past year and, perhaps, have made plans and goals for the coming year. Whether these plans/goals are in the form of resolutions or something else, we must remember that the coming year, and the rest of our lives for that matter, is not a sprint but a marathon.
Consider the words of Hebrews 12:1-3:
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Notice, many believers have gone before us, therefore, we, too, can run the race of faith with endurance, but we must shed ourselves of the sin and burdens that weigh us down. We must also keep in focus whom we are running for and toward, Jesus, our Savior. His faithful obedience in the face of hostility, trials, and even death is an example for us to not allow such things to hinder nor discourage us as we run toward Him. As we run alongside each other, may we encourage one another to faithfully endure the race set before us in 2024 and beyond!
Blessings,
Pastor Zach