Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
Known as the “Proud One”, Genoa is one of the largest cities on the Mediterranean Sea and the largest seaport in Italy. Bearing the Italian name of Genova, this city is rich with history. Walking through its streets on a warm fall day, I was impressed with the city’s numerous palaces and cathedrals, its beautiful skyline of both old and older architecture styles, and the glorious sunset we encountered at the end of our day there.
On our walking tour of the city, we learned much of Genova and its long-standing heritage. Its checkered past is reflected in the black and white marble buildings, some of which have been rebuilt after wars and various occupations. One of Genova’s famous sons is none other than Christopher Columbus, who was born here in 1451.
Following our guide, we walked the wider promenades and the narrower cobbled streets. At one point, I realized that our surroundings had changed significantly and just as I was wondering if we had veered off-course into a less than desirable neighborhood, we passed three women who were scrutinizing us closely as we passed by. My suspicions were confirmed. Our guide had taken us through the streets of “ill repute”!
How often do we think we are on the safe and sunny boulevards of life only to realize that we’ve taken a wrong turn and are passing through crooked and narrow pathways that are increasing becoming darker? Sometimes it doesn’t take much to get us off-track. Proudly putting our map aside as if we don’t need it, we turn one street too early or late. Entangled in temptation, it’s difficult to find our way back.
As a Jesus-follower, I’m thankful we have a Guide who is totally trustworthy and will not lead us into places that will tempt us. And as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105), the Bible is better than any map or GPS.
Hebrews 12 opens with an analogy of a race where we are the runners. Surrounded by faithful ones who have gone on before us and are now cheering us on to the finish line, we keep our eyes focused on Jesus. When running the course, we can’t be tripped up by things that hinder us or entangle us. Is there a particular sin or temptation in your life that keeps you from running the race of faith full speed ahead? Are there worldly distractions that keep tripping you up? We are called to throw off such hindrances and the sin that so easily entangles us so we can freely run to the finish line. As verse 1 says, we do need perseverance. Focus and courage are needed to finish well this life marked out for us. The Christian life is the marathon we run. How we run this journey of faith is marked out in God’s Word for us.
Next time you find yourself wandering the dark streets of temptation and sin, look up to the One who endured the cross. Jesus’ victory over death gives us the strength we need. We can run untangled to the finish line and not grow weary or lose heart.
Lord, give me the perseverance I need to run this race of faith. Keep me focused on You and free from distractions that entangle me. Guide me with Your Word and Your Spirit to run the course and finish well. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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Copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of harbor at sunset in Genoa, Italy.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
Known as the “Proud One”, Genoa is one of the largest cities on the Mediterranean Sea and the largest seaport in Italy. Bearing the Italian name of Genova, this city is rich with history. Walking through its streets on a warm fall day, I was impressed with the city’s numerous palaces and cathedrals, its beautiful skyline of both old and older architecture styles, and the glorious sunset we encountered at the end of our day there.
On our walking tour of the city, we learned much of Genova and its long-standing heritage. Its checkered past is reflected in the black and white marble buildings, some of which have been rebuilt after wars and various occupations. One of Genova’s famous sons is none other than Christopher Columbus, who was born here in 1451.
Following our guide, we walked the wider promenades and the narrower cobbled streets. At one point, I realized that our surroundings had changed significantly and just as I was wondering if we had veered off-course into a less than desirable neighborhood, we passed three women who were scrutinizing us closely as we passed by. My suspicions were confirmed. Our guide had taken us through the streets of “ill repute”!
How often do we think we are on the safe and sunny boulevards of life only to realize that we’ve taken a wrong turn and are passing through crooked and narrow pathways that are increasing becoming darker? Sometimes it doesn’t take much to get us off-track. Proudly putting our map aside as if we don’t need it, we turn one street too early or late. Entangled in temptation, it’s difficult to find our way back.
As a Jesus-follower, I’m thankful we have a Guide who is totally trustworthy and will not lead us into places that will tempt us. And as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105), the Bible is better than any map or GPS.
Hebrews 12 opens with an analogy of a race where we are the runners. Surrounded by faithful ones who have gone on before us and are now cheering us on to the finish line, we keep our eyes focused on Jesus. When running the course, we can’t be tripped up by things that hinder us or entangle us. Is there a particular sin or temptation in your life that keeps you from running the race of faith full speed ahead? Are there worldly distractions that keep tripping you up? We are called to throw off such hindrances and the sin that so easily entangles us so we can freely run to the finish line. As verse 1 says, we do need perseverance. Focus and courage are needed to finish well this life marked out for us. The Christian life is the marathon we run. How we run this journey of faith is marked out in God’s Word for us.
Next time you find yourself wandering the dark streets of temptation and sin, look up to the One who endured the cross. Jesus’ victory over death gives us the strength we need. We can run untangled to the finish line and not grow weary or lose heart.
Lord, give me the perseverance I need to run this race of faith. Keep me focused on You and free from distractions that entangle me. Guide me with Your Word and Your Spirit to run the course and finish well. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Want to subscribe to future posts? Click here.
Copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of harbor at sunset in Genoa, Italy.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
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