A Race Worth Running: Guest Blog by Jules Sneddon

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What is the purpose of mankind's existence? To put it simply, we were created to bring God pleasure (Revelation 4:11b KJV). And is it possible to please God without faith? (Hebrews 11:6a NIV). No, it is not possible. In fact, faith and understanding are fundamental to fulfilling our true purpose in life. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 11:1 that, "...faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see". The writer adds on that, "Because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6b NIV). So in other words, God not only wants us to believe in Him in the same way a demon would (James 2:19 NIV), but he wants us to believe in His Word, love, and countless promises.


When we believe that God will fulfill His promises even when we don’t see those promises materializing, we demonstrate true faith (John 20:29 NIV). This is what the ancients were honored for-– those few listed as heroes of faith in Hebrews 11. Much like a runner, those heroes had crossed the finish line at the end of a very long race. And yet those heroes who lived by faith never received everything that they had hoped for on Earth; they only saw it and accepted it from a distance (Hebrews 11:13 NIV).

But why? Because God had planned something better for [them] so that only together with [them] would they be made perfect (Hebrews 11:40 NIV). Just as we need them, for they are our roots, so they need us, for we are their fruit. It is one tree, one story, one awesome chronicle of salvation and we get to be a part of it! God has included a plaque for our names in His hall of faith “so that only together with [them]” would all those listed in Hebrews 11 find their hope complete. Through our faith in Christ, we are intimately connected with them. Their faith and our faith make us co-believers.

Picture a sports arena with a great race track. A marathon race is in progress. The heroes of faith listed in Hebrews 11 have already run their race and they are now seated in the stands cheering you on as you begin to run the lap set out for you (Hebrews 12:1 NIV). We are finishing the race they began thousands of years ago. The baton that has been passed to you is the same baton they ran with. It is not just you crossing the finishing line. They are “with you” as you run. It is together that we win the race!

Jesus is there too, but He is running right beside you. He is there to encourage you and to help you to run the race set before you. He tells you to fix your eyes on Him (Hebrews 12:2a NIV), for He is the one who built this great race track. He has already run this race and won. He has already received His victor’s crown. He is right beside you every step of the way. He is encouraging you to keep your eyes on Him because if you will have faith in Him, he will show you the way to victory!