What makes running both interesting and, at times, easier is the presence of people along the way. Some cheer us on with encouraging words, others offer water, and their presence alone gives us an unexpected boost of energy. Just this past week, my training partner and I noticed something important: whenever we run in areas where people are around and watching us, we somehow find the stamina to push harder, much more than when it's just the two of us on a quiet road.

The Great Cloud of Witnesses

This experience reminded me of Hebrews 12:1–2. In this passage, Paul paints a powerful image of the Christian life as a race. He speaks of a "great cloud of witnesses" surrounding us as we run, referring to the faithful men and women mentioned in the previous chapter who, through faith, obtained a good report. It's as though they're on the sidelines, cheering us on as we continue our journey of faith.

And because we are surrounded by these witnesses, Paul urges us to "lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that is set before us." As we run, our eyes must be fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

Jesus: The Author and Finisher

Jesus didn't just start the race, He completed it. And so should we. He did so with incredible endurance. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, despised its shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Consider Him

Later in the same chapter, we are encouraged to consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners. The word "consider" in Scripture means to think deeply, to reflect carefully, and to pay close attention, intentionally and diligently. In other words, we're not just called to glance at Jesus or think of Him in passing. We are called to truly focus on Him as we run.

Why Focus on Christ?

Because He is the Author and Finisher of our Faith

He began the work in us, and He will be faithful to complete it.

Because He is our Example

Jesus endured the cross, not because it was easy, but because He saw the joy and purpose beyond the pain.

Because He gives us strength to endure

By fixing our eyes on Him, we are reminded that we are not running alone.

The Power of Presence

Just like in a physical race where the cheers and presence of others motivate us to keep going, in our Christian race, we are encouraged by the legacy of faith from those who have gone before and even more so, by the example of Christ, who ran and finished His race perfectly.

The Call to Endurance

Let us run with endurance, and let us never take our eyes off Jesus.

Remember: You're not running alone. You're surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, and above all, you're running with your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith.