Don't Stop Running : Bishop Tony Samuels
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)
As we look at the above Scripture, it brings into focus Earth from Heaven’s perspective. It lets us know that we are in a race; that there is a great cloud of witnesses that are looking down on this race, and I believe, cheering us on as we run. We are in the last of the Last Days, and so much is resting on our generation. Any relay racer will tell you that every leg of a race is important, but the final leg is definitely the most important. You can either gain ground or lose ground, and we have to make sure that we don’t lose ground that previous generations have obtained.
The enemy is after your race, and he will use anything to stop you from running it. The book of Daniel gives us insight into the enemy’s strategy against us. Let’s look at Daniel 7:25 (KJV): And he shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times and laws… Notice, it says he shall wear out the saints. It would be very difficult for someone who is worn out to run a race. We have to make sure that we do not allow this to happen to us.
The Bible gives us instructions to lay aside every weight. This year, I made a decision personally that I was not going to let things get to me; that I would be very quick to let things go, and not carry them for days. To run your race, you are going to have to let things go. Do everything in your power to resolve things, and remember…at the end of the day, God is still God. Don’t get bogged down by life’s situations, because they will have an effect on how you run your race.
We are also called to lay aside sin. Sin is any behavior that goes against the Word of God. To be in sin, you have to get out of faith. Look at what Romans 14:23 (AMP) says: Whatever is not from faith is sin [whatever is done with doubt is sinful]. Sin will take you off the race course. James 1:14-15 (AMP) says, But each one is tempted when he is dragged away, enticed and baited [to commit sin] by his own [worldly] desire (lust, passion). Then when the illicit desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin has run its course, it gives birth to death. The race that God has us in is leading us to life. Sin will put us on a course to death. Don’t play with it. The Bible says to lay it aside.
Then, to run this race, the Bible tells us to look at Jesus; to keep our eyes on Him. Sometimes the enemy will get us to stop running by breaking our focus; he will get us to focus on other runners, or focus on the sidelines, and this will get you off course. Instead, we are to focus on the Lord. Why? Because He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. That means He is with you at the beginning of the race; He is with you during the race; and He is also at the finish line, cheering you on and telling you, “You got this! You can make it; just keep on running!”
So are you ready? Get set! Go! It’s time to run! I leave you with 1 Corinthians 9:24-27: Isn’t it obvious that all runners on the racetrack keep on running to win, but only one receives the victor’s prize? Yet each one of you must run the race to be victorious. A true athlete will be disciplined in every respect, practicing constant self-control in order to win a laurel wreath that quickly withers. But we run our race to win a victor’s crown that will last forever. For that reason, I don’t run just for exercise or box like one throwing aimless punches, but I train like a champion athlete. I subdue my body and get it under my control, so that after preaching the good news to others I myself won’t be disqualified. Your race is your life in Christ, and while you are living, you are preaching your greatest sermon. Don’t stop running!
