Hebrews 12:1
…”run with perseverance the race marked out for us”
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The Lord has marked out a course for each of us. This passage speaks of the need for “perseverance” indicating that sometimes the course may be grueling. It will not always be an easy road but I can be sure that it is far better to stay on God’s path, no matter how difficult, than to leave His path and begin to blaze my own trail through the briers and brambles.

Proverbs 13:15
The way of the transgressor (the one who veers off the course and begins to blaze his own trail and create his own path) is hard.”

As tough as my course may get, I can be assured that it is still a more joy filled path than any of my own making.

During the grueling times of the race I must do what Jesus did when faced with a torturous part of His race. He did not focus on the pain (the cross) but looked beyond it to the joy on the other side.

Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

By keeping my eyes fixed on eternity – the joy and reward awaiting me for a race well run – I can find the hope, strength, courage and endurance to continue running.

The road may get rough but stay on the path, stay the course and look beyond “the wall” to the joy awaiting you at the finish line.
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2 Corinthians 4:17-18
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.

Romans 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.