Lord, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us and let us run with endurance the race that is marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1
Remind us of the witnesses -those who have already finished their race and are cheering us on. Those who are running beside us and leaning on us. Those who are not in in the race but are watching us, deciding whether or not to join. Remind us of all those witnesses. Let that be our encouragement to lay aside anything, even good things, that keeps us from running well. Let us commit to stop sinning, and thereby avoid the traps of the enemy. Let us focus on our race, not the lane of our neighbor. And, Lord, let us not quit. Sometimes this race is hard. Sometimes it’s lonely. Sometimes we are so tired, so weary, so discouraged. Let us not quit, dear Lord! Send us encouragement today….and may we be that cup of refreshing encouragement to someone else. Help us persevere. Help our children to persevere. And our spouse. Let us not quit!