DEVOTION – DAY 562

Hebrews 12:1 “Persevere And Run The Race of Life”

Hebrews 12:1 “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 the race marked out for us.”

The writer in Hebrews used an image to drive home his point in the above verse. The image is that of a sports arena or stadium. Taking place in the stadium or arena is an athletic contest or race. Sitting in the stadium or arena watching this contest is great number of witnesses. In the Bible, the word for “witnesses” in Greek, means that the writer was referring to Christian heroes in the past – people who had been faithful and effective in their service to the Lord. They bear testimony to the power of faith and God’s faithfulness in their lives. Thus, they were not sitting in the stadium as simply spectators to the contest, they were there are testifiers to God’s faithfulness and to encourage those running their own race in life set out for them by the Lord, to run with perseverance, faithfulness and with diligence. 

Our own lives are sometimes like a marathon race. We will face obstacles and challenges. We may struggle to stay in the race and even have doubts in our own abilities whether we can finish the race. We may even have thoughts in our minds to give up. Why try to be righteous and do the right thing when others do not follow the rules or act dishonestly? But when we persevere, when we recall how our mentors, people we look up to, have also faced similar hardships. If they could persevere, it encourages us to do the same. We must stand firm to do what is right even if many other people around us do not observe the rules. 

In February 2023, an earthquake of the magnitude of 7.8 shook central and western Turkey and northern Syria, near the Turkish city of Antakya. Many buildings collapsed as a result of the earthquake and many lives were lost. However, in one neighborhood, amidst the collapsed buildings, was one apartment block that had stood firm through the earthquake. The authorities traced the developer of that building who turned out to be a Christian. He explained that unlike other developers, he had refused to bribe officials to get building permits. He had made sure he built his building in full compliance to safe building standards and he had refused to cut corners. He knew that would delay his development and he would earn less profits. But he knew it was the right thing to do. In the end, his faithfulness to being professional saved the lives of the occupants in his block of apartments from the earthquake. 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, please help us to persevere and to fulfill your purposes for us no matter the obstacles and challenges we may face. Please bring along people who can mentor us, encourage us to keep our faith and to give you the glory. We humbly ask in the great name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

• What are some challenges and obstacles you face at your workplace that may tempt you to cut corners in order to get things done?

• Why is it important to stay away from such temptations to sin, and cut corners? Discuss.

• Who can you ask to be your mentor, to be your prayer partner to help you remain faithful and do the right thing? Why is it important to have such a mentor or prayer partner?

• Share how the Lord had helped you overcome a recent temptation to sin.