Active, Energetic Resistance to Defeat

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
(Hebrews 12:1,2)

"...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus..."

Looking unto Jesus. Oh my goodness. Take hold of this, friends.

You have probably heard this before but, it is worth repeating: In a horse race, the horses wear blinders which prevent them from seeing anything other than what is directly in front of them. The blinders eliminate distractions, prevent annoyances or fearful influences. All the horse can see is the path before him - AND - he receives his instructions from his "master" who sees the entire track.

Hmmm...

When we take His hand in covenant relationship, our life is no longer our own - it belongs to our glorious Savior. We are instructed to "run the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus." The race we run is not coincidental. It is not happenstance or a lucky draw. The race before US has been SET before us by the Lord our Maker. It is the path He has chosen for us so that we might fulfill the purposes of our life. And He requires that we cling to that path of righteousness with endurance.

I looked up the definition of endurance or endures. The Greek word for endures is hupomeno (hoop-ahm-en-oh) meaning to "hold one's ground in conflict, bear up under adversity, stand firm or persevere under pressure". That's the definition you would expect, right? But there's more. Listen to this...Endurance "is not passive resignation to fate and mere patience, but the active, energetic resistance to defeat that allows calm and brave endurance." (The Spirit Filled Life Bible)

Again. "Endurance is not passive resignation to fate and mere patience, but the active, energetic resistance to defeat that allows calm and brave endurance."

This is how we run the race and receive the prize of the High Calling of Jesus Christ! We fix our eyes on Jesus - no distractions, no looking left and right - we focus on Him. We lay aside any weight or sin that holds us back and we run the race with endurance.

Jesus ENDURED the cross because of the joy set before Him. The journey to the cross was His race, the path set before HIM. And He endured it because our salvation was His prize.

Jesus understands how difficult the race can be - He ran it, too.

Endure. Hupomeno (hoop-ahm-en-oh). Did anyone besides me notice that, phonetically, the center of hupomeno is ahm-en, as in amen?

Run your race with endurance.

Amen? Amen. So be it.

Lord, Thank You for this lesson. Help us to take hold of this heavenly principle. Help us to remember that we have a race to run and that victory is ours as we follow Your instructions to focus on You and run with endurance. You clearly tell us how to live this life You have given us. Forgive us for being so stubborn and such proud know-it-alls. You, Lord, are the Master!! You guide us on this journey as we focus on You and trust You for each step we take. Thank You for Your gift of grace.