Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author an perfecter of our faith…

The race is marked out for you. Run the race with perseverance. All the while, keep your eyes on Jesus.

The race is marked out for you. You cannot make it up as we go along. Lose your life in order to gain it. The Kingdom, a harvest, growing within you. Not being shallow, casual, and loose spiritually. But being serious, purposeful…living life in such a way that you need God. Not just knowing you need His forgiveness, but a life of faith that depends on Him. Not a legalistic points earning way of living, but literally rethinking, with conviction, your life based on Jesus Christ. All of your life, not just parts of it. In that, willing to lose what you need to lose in order to have true life- abundant life. Even if that is not a fallen society’s idea of success or happiness. Even if it surprises you at times. And with this, the great legacy of passing along The Faith as you have received it.

Run the race with perseverance. It is not always easy. Don’t give up. Keep going. Keep grinding. Throw off sin. Stay strong in the face of persecution. Work through your doubt. Get up when you fall. As Eugene Cho posted on Twitter:

Don’t be overwhelmed.
Stay the course.
Be encouraged.
Be tenacious.
Do not quit.
Take heart.
Persevere.
Have faith.
Press on.
Trust.
God.

All the while, keep your eyes on Jesus. He is the author and perfecter of your faith. He is what you hold to when it seems there is nothing else to hold on to. He is your savior. He is always there. He is the beacon in your darkness, in your struggle, in the midst of your trial.

Hebrews 10:36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

When you persevere, when you have done the will of God, the reward promised is great. It’s wonderful. It is life in its fullness. It is everlasting life.