Hebrews 12:1
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
When I read about running a race, I think about competing against other people and the person who crosses the finish line first-wins. If I apply this interpretation to the verse I would be wrong. We are not competing against each other in the kingdom of God. If I cross the finish line before you, I didn't win at life, but gained heaven.
I think the finish line is the end of our earthly life, there's not a stopping point for living the Christian life, we live for Jesus until He calls us home. So what does the verse mean? It's simple, run the race that is set before me. God has placed a purpose on my life and I have been called by Him to fulfill my calling until the day I die.
I am not to quit the race for any reason, and who is my competition? Myself, yes I am the biggest obstacle I will face in the course of life. So run even when you're tired, run when you're out of breath, run when it's a long way to the top of the hill, run when you think you can't run, and keep running until you cross the finish line. If you don't quit, you'll reap in due season.
Pastor Ken Smith