Lamp Light 

“Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,

looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”

Hebrews 12:1-2 

          Those who run races of great distance soon learn that the best way to run the course is to think not about the finish line, but to focus, instead on a reachable goal. For, when fatigue sets in, and the finish line seems still too far away, the temptation to give in and give up begins to tickle your mind and sap your will. So, a good runner will pick out a tree or rock or some point in the distance, and set sight on just on reaching that objective, and when completed, select another and another until the race is done. 

          The writer to the Hebrews understood this concept well.  He knew that faith over the long haul might leave some tired and despondent.  The responsibilities of faith may seem too many and too great.  So, he advised us to “lay aside the weight of sin…and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.” 

          This has been the impetus behind every great saint, the motivation behind every faithful disciple.  When facing trial or temptation, problem and pain; we can focus on our problems, which will lead only to self-pity.  Or, we may focus on Jesus, which leads to hope and life and love.   

          The choice is ours to make.  This decision will carry us through this life and lead us to another.