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 (NIV)
Hebrews 11 is a chapter that teaches us how faith in God is a powerful testimony to the world. This chapter reveals that in this life there are challenges that drive us to display behaviours that reveal panic and fear. The Bible characters who were mentioned showed us how their faith in God helped them to be overcomers and be witnesses to the faithfulness of God to deliver and bless anyone who perseveres to see Yahweh do only what He can do.
What are we to do to join the ‘cloud of witnesses’?
Hebrews 12:1 exhorts us to throw off everything that hinders us as we run this race. 2 Timothy 2: 3-7, gives us more guidance. We are given a picture of the preparation that a soldier, a farmer and an athlete must engage in if they are to be successful. An athlete must compete according to rules and persevere to the finish line. An athlete must be focused and keep on course. Have you ever wondered why athletes wear minimum clothing? Yes, they must throw off everything that could hinder movement.
Have you thought of the sin that so easily besets us? Remember our focus is on FAITH. It points to the fact that if we let go of our faith, FEAR will dominate. THEREFORE, we must throw off fear. Fear robs us of rational thinking and can lead to us making poor decisions. When afflicted we must exhibit faith as we believe in God and His fullness, for what we cannot see.
Faith is a decision to rely on God as we observe what He has revealed about himself through nature and in the Bible. Faith in God is an active dependence on Him. Faith is declaring Him to be good when suffering is evident. Faith is just unquestionable dependence on God and obedience to His voice. Be a WITNESS to the world by showing what God can and will do in and through your life.
Read: Philippians 4:7; Galatians 6:9; 2 Timothy 1:7; Hebrews 11:6; 1 Corinthians 16:13
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 46; Luke 17:11-37; Deuteronomy 26; Deuteronomy 27; Deuteronomy 28:1-14
