“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us,” — Hebrews 12:1 (CSB)

The Christian life is pictured as a race that requires perseverance, discipline, and endurance. We are called to put aside not only sin, but anything that weighs us down and keeps us from faithfully following Christ. The believers who came before us remind us that a life of faith can be lived even through hardship and uncertainty. God has given each of us a race to run—so lay down the weight, keep moving forward, and don’t quit.