LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
 
Monday 8th June 2026

THE RACE WE MUST RUN

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:1-29
 
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. *Hebrews 12:1*_
 
The Christian life is likened to a race. Running was one of the most popular games in the Roman world. Races were held in a place called the stadium – a place so called because its length equalled a stadion or six hundred Greek feet.  The stadium had tiers of seats on either side for the spectators or witnesses.
 
The competitors went through gruelling training to burn all excess fat from their body. In addition, they ran unclothed. Flesh and clothing were laid aside as a “weight” that might hinder them in the race.
 
This was the analogy that the writer of Hebrews drew on to describe the Christian life. And comparing the nature of the races then to the life of the believer, we see vital lessons to learn from and apply to live fruitful Christian lives.
 
1. The clouds of witnesses are watching us.

The men and women of faith who have gone ahead of us have left their testimony to encourage us to live for God. They are the spectators cheering us on. Consider people like David who overcame Goliath and Noah who lived righteously in a dark and sinful generation – these examples are there to encourage us.  
 
2. Let us run the race that is set before us.

Difficulties may confront us, but we have assurance that we will overcome, as others before us overcame their difficulties. The disciples suffered a lot for their faith. Some were crucified and others beheaded but still Christianity marched on and grew because it rode on the testimony of believers who stood for their faith in the face of great difficulty.
 
3.  Let us run with endurance.

The Christian life is exciting because though it is challenging it is livable. Developing faith in the Lord is building resilience for every challenge that lies ahead. We can be faithful in our Christian witness because others have been faithful in their witness for the Lord.  
 
4. Let us lay aside every weight and sin.

 There are sins and weights of wrong habits and behaviours we need to let go to run our race. Examine your life and determine what may be holding you back from living for the Lord. Honestly ask the Lord for help in prayer to overcome them so you can freely live for Him. And remember, there are many cheering you on to finish your race well.
 
Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I lay aside every hindrance to my Christian life. Help me to run the race that is set before me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.