......witnesses

Our journey with the Lord is like a marathon in many ways. We must maintain a disciplined training program to ensure we are prepared. The race itself can be long and hard. There will be times we run out of energy and want to quit, but crossing the finish line will be more rewarding than anything we can imagine! And along the way, we will certainly learn to appreciate the encouragement we receive from the cheering crowd.

"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."Hebrews 12:1

This verse follows what we often refer to as The Great Hall of Faith. The eleventh chapter of Hebrews describes many people from the Old Testament who were commended for their faith: Able, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Gideon, Samson, David, and many others.

At the end of this impressive list, we read that even though they were faithful, "none of them received what had been promised" Hebrews 11:39. Their reward was postponed until the coming of Jesus; "God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect" Hebrews 11:40. 

The testimony of the faithful is meant to give us great encouragement. It's as if they are cheering us on with great anticipation, knowing that one day we will be "caught up together with them" 1 Thessalonians 4:17 to receive our eternal reward when Jesus comes.

This cloud of witnesses now also includes the testimony of New Testament believers as well as Christians throughout the last 2000 years. It also includes Brothers and Sisters who love us and pray for us today. As we run the race and sometimes grow weary - sometimes even stumble and fall - these witnesses continue to cheer and encourage our every step.

The race is long and sometimes difficult, but we're definitely not alone. Let's run with renewed perseverance; and when we become discouraged, Jesus has promised to abide with us let us listen to His tender voice impressed upon us by the at times still and small voice of The Holy Spirit our teacher and guide John 16:7-11