1 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)

I am not a runner. And I have recognized, of late, that my endurance is not great as I begin to work out again.

I am older and while I don’t think my physical state is horrible, nor is it good. I have come to realize that I have neglected certain aspects that I must now focus on more.

Similarly, I realize that I need endurance in my spiritual state and this too needs regular attention. You may think that because I write these each day that this part of my life would be very fit. However, as I get older and better understand a true life of faith, I realize that my endurance here to suffers. It requires even more close attention than my physical state because temptations, the sugary snack of the enemy, are far more frequently put before me.

I strive to lay aside every hindrance and sin that so easily ensnares me, but I must be diligent if I expect to endure the enemy’s advances. This because the harder we work at it the more divisive he is against me and the more the temptations fly.

To endure is to run the race with Christ at my side.