Hebrews 12.1-2:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (ESV)
So what is this race Christians are to run? Down through the decades, centuries, and millennia Christians have lived in ever changing times and different geographic locations. So it is that each individual Christian has a figuratively expressed race to run that is unique and personal. The race is in fact our life to live. No one race course is the same for anyone else. My race course is not the same as yours, and ours are not the same as anyone else’s.
Verse one above sets forth that the race requires endurance of everyone who is going to be competitive in the race. The race will demand endurance from us if we are to run the race fighting for victory all the way to the finish line. Endurance is defined as the act and process of persevering. The scholarly treatment of this Bible word translated “endurance” confirms that built within it are the attributes of courageous active resistance to hostile attacks, and bravery towards opposition. We can expect that our lives will encounter events and people who attempt to scare and intimidate us, in addition to trials that make us exhausted.
In the 1981 movie “Chariots of Fire”, it is presented that both of the leading characters in the movie, Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell, experienced much opposition and intimidation as they pursued their Olympic racing careers, culminating in gold medals in the 1924 Paris Olympic Games. And it was opposition even from people who might have actually had good intentions.
It seems to me that the measure of endurance required of each of us in our race will correspond to the level of commitment we make to actually win the race. And winning this race would be the metaphorical expression of living one’s life obediently pursuing God’s will and purpose all the way to the end. Not quitting in the face of the opposing factors. I am sure there are many who have quit running the race to win. We must not.