Hebrews 12:1-2 (AMP)
1 THEREFORE THEN, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us,
2 Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

A long-distance race is won not by skills and talent but by disciplinary practices and training, this is what long distant runners do to get fit and ready for a race. The spiritual race is likewise but with more fervency and intentionality. Preparing for and running a marathon is a lot like the challenges of the Christian life, you learn to run with endurance on a deeper level.
Paul compares the Christian life with a race in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 that requires extensive and total commitment from us, a race that demands complete discipline and sacrifices.
While athletes challenge themselves by carrying weights to test their endurance and push their limit, the opposite is true of the Christian race, it is important we figure out and learn how to avoid carrying any extra baggage that could weigh us down. We need to lay aside anything and everything, i.e., relationship, attitude, materialism, and many more that may become a snare to our faith, Matthew 13:22, 6:33.
A major difference between a marathon and a spiritual race is that only one individual athlete wins the race while in the Christian race everyone wins through a collective and cooperative effort.
We cannot afford to miss or mess up this race especially when you think of the pioneers who have gone ahead of us, standing in the bleachers cheering us on, encouraging us. There is a great cloud of numberless people who though weren’t perfect in their lifetime but were counted as faithful people because they endured the race of faith to the end, showing us solidarity. Some of the witnesses had such messed up dramatic lives that it could have aired on prime time tv.
You may think, you’re nothing to God and therefore your race might be awkward, long and lonely. Before you jump to false conclusions that you’re messed up, no good with a past and not deserving of God’s blessings and plans, think again after you’ve gone through the stories of the enduring race pioneers of faith.
These crowds of witnesses and their dramas will leave you cringing in embarrassment, slink down in shame and distaste and cower in fear. But God called them “faithful” for finishing well, strong and enduring faithfully to the end because they all stuck with their faith even when they didn’t know what the outcome was going to be. They endured the race. Will you?
Noah = drunkard. Genesis 8. The blueprint of God’s new earth and mankind.
Abraham lied. Genesis 20. The friend of God in whom the son of promise came and the patriarch of Israel.
Jacob – deceiver. Genesis 25:29-34. The man through whom God’s seat of government and salvation was secured.
Moses- murderer. Exodus 2:12. A courageous and fearless ruler who spoke face to face with God.
Rahab- harlot. Joshua 2. Who became the ancestor of Jesus.
Sarah- doubter. Genesis 18:12-15. The matriarch of Israel and medical defying mother.
Samson -womanizer. Judges 13-16. The bible’s very own superman and gym pro rolled together.
David- adulterer and murderer. 2 Samuel 11. A man after God’s heart and a contrite spirit.
Paul- terrorist. Acts 8:1-4. The greatest apostle and author of over half of the New Testament.
Ordinarily, these people won’t have made the cut in human standard; but then, God’s standard of measure is far above man’s standard.
So, no matter the pain, discomfort, disappointment, and failures, do not give up, do not quite, God wants you to continue. keep the course, keep running, you need to endure the dramas of life to get to where God is taking you. Hebrews 11 and 12 encourages us to keep the faith. And you can do it because you’re not alone, you have a crowd who knows how hard it can be but are cheering you on, the host of heaven on your side and the Messiah, the umpire of the race rooting for you alongside the Strengthener and helper who will lead you on the right paths to glory. Run your race with endurance and finish strong for your rewards awaits you in Christ.
Shalom