“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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
“Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it.” (MSG)
When you fix your eyes on Jesus, you are not fixing your eyes on the finish line, but on how to run the race. I have marked out this race that I want you to run, and I have shown you in his life how to run with perseverance … so be determined to run well! Free yourself from anything that might slow you down and run this race that will end in glory. It is not a finish line that awaits you, but a beginning line; the start of a never-ending life that I have always meant you to have.
— February 2, 2022