“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
Isn’t it exciting that the Olympics events will be happening soon? According to the news, up to 10,000 can watch from the stands.
Picturing that in my mind reminded me of a Ray Vander Laan “That the World May Know” episode. He took people on tours of the Holy Land as well as places where Paul traveled as an apostle. On one of the trips, he and his group were standing out on the ruins of an arena; perhaps in Ephesus. Ray Vander Laan told the group to start walking or running along the track and to imagine the saints who had gone before them cheering them on from the stands rooting for them all as they ran the “race” of their Christian journey. “Keep going! You’re doing great! Keep putting God first! We love you!” At the time that I saw this, I was very stressed in my life and the idea of the saints encouraging and caring about me made me teary.
What a wonderful thing to realize and remember that we are so loved by God and the family of God who are both on earth and in Heaven. As believers, we are not alone. Others have gone before us, others journey with us, and still more will come after us. John 13:34-35 says, “A new commandment I give you. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Consider who you can encourage and cheer on in their Christian journey today.