Run with Endurance - Hebrews 12:1, 2

Hebrews 12:1, 2

"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."

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I though of this verse as Faith was describing the boys soccer practice yesterday.  Faith is a manager for the boys soccer team and soccer tryouts and practice started this week.  So yesterday the boys had to do a 12 minute run and Faith said it was tough for them, especially given the cold and rainy weather.  However there is a lot of excitement with the boys and managers as they have been waiting for the season to start, so spirits are very high right now.  But the key to the season will be not how they start the season, but rather how they endure and finish through to the end.

Also yesterday, Kay and I went to see another Radiation Oncologist to talk about what an appropriate radiation treatment would be.  Well during our consultation, he actually expressed concern for the slim clean margins (in his opinion) on Kay's pathology report.  We had just heard from the surgeon on Monday that the margins were good and now this doctor is expressing concern and recommending further surgery.  So, we are going to consult with yet another surgeon and see where the next turn of this roller coaster takes us.

I truly believe that this passage in Hebrews has not only a spiritual application but a practical life application also.   We need to run with endurance this "race of life" and keep trusting in Jesus to give us guidance and strength through it all.  But of course, we also need to run the "race of faith" and keep pressing on through temptation and sin, always looking to Jesus and the cross so we can finish strong for eternity.  Please continue to pray for us as we face more decision points in Kay's treatment and also please pray for us and others that we all endure and finish strong in the race of faith also.

...and don't forget to love God with all your heart, love others as He does, and use every minute for His will and to His glory!