“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 12:1b-2 NKJV

Have you ever run a race? Or played a sport where you had to run? When you run in a race, or to first base, or to score a goal in soccer, or to shoot a basket, you have to look at where you are going. You need to have the end of the run, your goal, in sight. When you have your goal in sight, you do your very best to finish the run and reach your goal.

In the verses above, Paul is comparing a race to our lives. He says we will need endurance, the ability to handle hardships and keep on our path for long periods of time. Life is not always going to be easy; we have to push forward; we have to keep going. But in life, our goal is Jesus. We have talked about being like Jesus by loving others, being kind, caring, and gentle. But our ultimate goal in life is to be with Jesus in heaven with God. But first we have to “run the race”, live the life, we have been given here on earth.

You are young, you have your whole life ahead of you. But in this life, we should all look to Jesus as our goal. We want to run this life race looking to Jesus. We want to be like Jesus, we want to live our lives for Jesus, we want to finish life and be with Jesus. He is our reward for a race well run with love and endurance. He is the example of a race finished well. And He did it all for us!

But the best part of the race is that Jesus will be with us. We don’t run the race alone. Jesus gives us strength to endure. He gives us love to carry us through. He gives us forgiveness so that we can push forward. He gives us all that we need to finish the path and reach the goal that He has so richly blessed us with. Fear not because He is with you always!

This week look to Jesus in order to run your race, that is your life. Talk to your parents about looking to Jesus. Be kind, gentle, good, patient, joyful, loving, and self-controlled. Be faithful and have peace. Be like Jesus and live your best life. Enjoy the “race” with Jesus by your side.

Blessings and run your best race!