Fix Your Eyes on Jesus and Run the Race (Hebrews 12)

I have never been a big fan of running myself, but as I watched Caddie run in a cross country meet recently, all I could think of was “Fix your eyes on Jesus and run the race.”

There are many lessons in that Scripture taken from Hebrews 12. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Quick Summary: Running the Race with Jesus

• Hebrews 12 compares the Christian life to a race requiring endurance.
• We are called to lay aside distractions and sin.
• Fixing our eyes on Jesus helps us stay focused and finish well.
• Spiritual growth comes through daily discipline, prayer, and encouragement.

Even when life feels overwhelming, we can keep going by fixing our eyes on Jesus and running the race He has set before us with endurance, faith, and purpose.

Cross Country Racing

Our granddaughter, Caddie loves to run. We have been able to see her in action a few times, either in races, relays, or cross country meets.

Once she was running in a cross country meet, which is for long-distance runners – serious runners. Because of the way the course was set up, we were able to see the runners take off at the starting line.  Some runners took off, while others held back for a bit. 

We lost sight of them for a time, and when they came back around to us, their order had changed quite a bit. Some of the ones who started off strong had fallen behind. Some of the ones who held back at the beginning had moved up in the race, while others maintained their lead throughout the run.

They all had the same goal – the finish line, but they couldn’t all be first. I know talent and athletic ability has a lot to do with it, but I would also guess that the runners with the fastest time trained a little harder.

Training to Run the Race

A lot of practice is involved in preparing for such a long run.

The runners:

• Build up their stamina.
• Run long distances daily.
• Learn to pace themselves.

During the Race

There are several things the runners do during the race to make sure they have the best run.

The runners:

• Don’t carry any unnecessary weight – They wear light weight clothing and have nothing extra with them.
• Have all hair tied back so there are no distractions.
• Focus on the goal.
• Don’t look backward.
• Run their own race.
• Watch for obstacles.
• Choose the smoothest path.

At the end of the race, the whole team celebrated with great joy as each one of the runners crossed the finish line! They each had their own race to run, but they celebrated together as a team.

What is Running the Spiritual Race in Hebrews 12?

I know you can already see the similarities between cross country running and the Christian life!

See what the writer of Hebrews had to say about it:

“Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith…” Hebrews 12:1-2a

How to Fix Your Eyes on Jesus Daily

We should train in the same way as the runners:

• Train daily by putting into practice:
  • The characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit
  • Daily Scripture reading
  • Daily Prayer time
• Start by putting on the full armor of God.
• Study the examples of the heroes of the faith.
• Meet regularly with the “team” for encouragement.

During Our Race: Spiritual Training to Help You Stay on Track

• Get rid of any sinful habits that would entangle us or weigh us down by confession and repentance.
• Don’t look backward at our failures (or even successes), but move forward.
• Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.
• ​Be aware of obstacles and distractions, and avoid them as much as possible.
• Try to stay on the straight paths so the running is much easier.
• Run your own race and not someone else’s. Don’t compare.
• Cheer each other on with great encouragement as you run.

At the end of this Christian race on earth, let us all celebrate and rejoice together for a job well done!

Helpful Resources to Help You Run the Race

Here are a few of my favorite Bible study resources:

• She Reads Truth Bible for Women – I absolutely love this Bible!
• Men’s Study Bible
• Bible Maps & Charts

Other Scriptures About Running the Race

You can find so many Scriptures on this topic. Here are just a few:

“Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize.”
I Corinthians 9:24

“…But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s Heavenly call in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:14

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. There is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing.”
2 Timothy 4:7-8

Key Takeaways

• The Christian life is a race that requires endurance.
• Distractions and sin slow us down.
• Jesus is our example and our strength.
• Daily spiritual habits help us stay focused.

As you go through this week, remember: the race you are running has purpose. When distractions come, remember Hebrews 12, choose to fix your eyes on Jesus, and keep moving forward with faith and endurance. Let’s strengthen each other and finish well!

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Related Posts

Do You Ever Wonder if You Make a Difference?
Leaving a Spiritual Legacy
Simple Bible Study Ideas for Spiritual Growth

Until next time,

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“From one Man He has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live.” Acts 17:26