…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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith… (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Our Father, You are a God of precision, of order, of structure. You marked out the foundations of the earth (Proverbs 8:29); marked off its dimensions (Job 38:5); marked out the horizon on the face of the deep (Proverbs 8:27); and with the breadth of [Your] hand marked off the heavens (Isaiah 40:12).
It is amazing to know that the same mighty hand of creation marked out a life-course for us—a "race" for each of us to run. Thank You, Lord that You have not left us to stumble in blindness and confusion! You have planned each stretch, each streak, each turn. You make known to [us] the path of life... (Psalm 16:11).
O Father, in this short course of life, these few and difficult years of pilgrimage (Genesis 47:9) help us run the race. Help us to strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in [us ] (Colossians 1:29).
Deliver us from the entanglements of sin, remove the shackles of defeat and self-sabotage. By Your strength and power, help us to persevere against all obstructions, distractions, and limitations.
When we are waylaid by doubt, worry, and fear; overcome by sorrow, grief, and pain, help us to "turn our eyes upon Jesus," fixing our gaze on His glory, His power, His might. Keep us encouraged by His example, knowing that He is the pioneer—the author—and the perfecter of our faith.
Give us a full commitment to the goal—help us to make our "only aim...to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given [us] (Acts 20:24). Help us to press on. Strengthen our hearts. Give us grit, determination, and resolve. Keep us from stumbling, keep us from turning back.
Thank You for the word that guides us; the power that sustains us, the "cloud of witnesses" that cheer us on. Thank You that we can, like our Lord, look forward to the joy ahead—to eternal pleasures at your right hand (Psalm 16:11).
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