By Faith We Run Our Race

 Hebrews 11 is often called the Faith Chapter.  It is the chapter that reminds us of the "Great Cloud of Witnesses" that surround us (Hebrews 12:1) and it is a good chapter to read today.

This is the chapter that defines faith as: [the] confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11: 1

Faith is not about "seeing" with our eyes the materialization of what we desire.  Faith is knowing God is able, and that He can, and that He will do all things, possible and impossible, according to His Plan even if we never get to see them in our lifespan.  

Like the hall of fame of faith listed in Hebrews 11, we might not get to see or receive all the things that are promised, but we know that all His promises will be fulfilled because He is Faithful and all His promises are true...regardless of whether we witness them or not.  By faith we know that: God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Hebrews 11: 40

It is our faith in His perfect plan what keeps us strong even if we realize, it is not for us to see it unfold. 

What do we do with the disappointment, then? How do we manage the disillusion of not being part of those who will witness the complete fulfillment of His promises? We keep the faith...it is our faith what will allow us to:

...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

Let's engrave this perfect words in our hearts, minds and souls.  This is the only thing that matters.  Everything else is superfluous.  Everything else withers.  Everything else passes away and is forgotten.  

May we be empowered by the Holy Spirit to see with the eyes of our faith what is beyond our current circumstances, so we can stay strong on the One Whose Name is Faithful, and we can endure the race marked out for us...whether we get to cross the finish line the way we dream it or not.  In Jesus' All-Powerful Name.  Amen!