Run With Purpose
02/06/2026
“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 (NIV)
There’s something powerful about that word, therefore. It tells us this verse doesn’t stand alone, it’s built on everything that came before it. Hebrews 11 has just paraded a long line of faithful men and women who trusted God when it was costly, confusing, and uncomfortable. Some saw miracles. Others saw hardship. All of them ran their race by faith.
Now the writer turns to us and says, because of them, because of their example, because of their testimony, run.
Notice the imagery. This isn’t a casual stroll or a short sprint. This is a long-distance race. And the instruction is clear: if you want to run well, you can’t carry extra weight. Not everything that hinders us is sinful. Some things are simply heavy. Distractions, unhealthy rhythms, misplaced priorities, even good things that have taken first place in our hearts. Sin entangles, but weight slows. Both will keep you from running free.
What’s beautiful is that God has already marked out the race. You’re not competing with anyone else’s lane. You’re not called to run someone else’s pace. Your assignment is faithfulness, one step, one decision, one act of obedience at a time. And perseverance matters because there will be days when quitting feels easier than continuing.
But you are not alone. You are surrounded by witnesses who have gone before you and by a Savior who runs with you. Jesus doesn’t stand at the finish line yelling instructions; He empowers you to endure every mile.
So today, hear the invitation: lighten the load, untangle your feet, lift your eyes, and keep running.
One honest action you can take today is to name what’s slowing you down. Write it down. Pray over it. Ask God if it needs to be released, reordered, or removed.
Another step is to set a simple rhythm that builds perseverance. Things like time in the Word, intentional prayer, or consistent community. Finally, remind yourself that progress matters more than speed. Faithfulness today prepares strength for tomorrow.
Today’s challenge:
Ask God to show you one thing to lay down so you can run more freely.
Lord, thank You for the example of those who have gone before us and for the race You have lovingly marked out for each of us. Give us courage to let go of what hinders us, strength to resist what entangles us, and perseverance to keep moving forward even when the road feels long. Fix our eyes on You, Jesus, and help us run with purpose and joy. Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“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 (NIV)
There’s something powerful about that word, therefore. It tells us this verse doesn’t stand alone, it’s built on everything that came before it. Hebrews 11 has just paraded a long line of faithful men and women who trusted God when it was costly, confusing, and uncomfortable. Some saw miracles. Others saw hardship. All of them ran their race by faith.
Now the writer turns to us and says, because of them, because of their example, because of their testimony, run.
Notice the imagery. This isn’t a casual stroll or a short sprint. This is a long-distance race. And the instruction is clear: if you want to run well, you can’t carry extra weight. Not everything that hinders us is sinful. Some things are simply heavy. Distractions, unhealthy rhythms, misplaced priorities, even good things that have taken first place in our hearts. Sin entangles, but weight slows. Both will keep you from running free.
What’s beautiful is that God has already marked out the race. You’re not competing with anyone else’s lane. You’re not called to run someone else’s pace. Your assignment is faithfulness, one step, one decision, one act of obedience at a time. And perseverance matters because there will be days when quitting feels easier than continuing.
But you are not alone. You are surrounded by witnesses who have gone before you and by a Savior who runs with you. Jesus doesn’t stand at the finish line yelling instructions; He empowers you to endure every mile.
So today, hear the invitation: lighten the load, untangle your feet, lift your eyes, and keep running.
One honest action you can take today is to name what’s slowing you down. Write it down. Pray over it. Ask God if it needs to be released, reordered, or removed.
Another step is to set a simple rhythm that builds perseverance. Things like time in the Word, intentional prayer, or consistent community. Finally, remind yourself that progress matters more than speed. Faithfulness today prepares strength for tomorrow.
Today’s challenge:
Ask God to show you one thing to lay down so you can run more freely.
Lord, thank You for the example of those who have gone before us and for the race You have lovingly marked out for each of us. Give us courage to let go of what hinders us, strength to resist what entangles us, and perseverance to keep moving forward even when the road feels long. Fix our eyes on You, Jesus, and help us run with purpose and joy. Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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