How to Run the Race of Faith with Endurance

The book of Hebrews was written to encourage a community of Jewish-background Christians who were struggling under pressure—likely from persecution and social exclusion because of their faith in Jesus. There was significant temptation to return to their former way of life in Judaism. Chances are you know people who have slipped away, walked away, maybe even run away from faith. You might be feeling that. It's also why Hebrews still speaks to us today. 

Hebrews 12:1-2—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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

Running through life can feel exhausting. You’re weighed down with career stress, family responsibilities, financial pressures, or secret sins that trip you up. But in Hebrews 12, the writer gives us a life-changing image: faith is a race—and if you want to run it well, you’ve got to pack light.

First, throw off every hindrance. Not everything that slows you down is sinful—but if it steals your focus from God, it’s weight you don’t need. Think about how athletes train: they may use weighted vests, but no one runs a real race with one strapped on. In the same way, career goals, grades, or relationships may not be wrong, but if they drag you down, you’ll never run the race God has set for you.

Second, cut loose the sin that entangles. Pride, dishonesty, sexual sin, love of money, neglect of spiritual family—all of these trip you up. Turn away from it. Cut it loose by asking God for forgiveness.

Third, run with endurance. Faith isn’t about quick sprints of inspiration; it’s about steady rhythms that sustain you: prayer, Scripture, community, serving. Like marathon runners who push through “the wall,” endurance means you refuse to quit even when it’s hard.

And most importantly—fix your eyes on Jesus. He’s the pioneer who ran before you and the perfecter who will see you through. Every witness in the stands—Abraham, Moses, Esther, Ruth—points you to Him.

So pack light. Throw off the weights, cut loose the sin, and run your race with endurance. And one day, when you cross the finish line, you’ll hear the words that make it all worth it: “Well done good and faithful servant.”