Have you noticed how many want to take the easy way out? It is hard to find people who are willing to do hard work over a long period of time. As we come to chapter 13, Hughes challenges us to run well and finish the race of walking with God, even if it is difficult. He takes us to Hebrews 12:1-3. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. I love the imagery of witnesses at a race and the boost of energy that gives the competitor. At our Friday night softball games, when the stands are full, the team has more energy. (And we have the best fans in the city!) The author is reminding us of all who have gone before and encouraging us to find strength in their witness.
The first point from these verses is to Divest! We are to throw off hindrances and sin. Both keep us from running the race with perseverance. My fear is that I will not notice my 
hindrances and I will rationalize my sin. Hughes gives us a number of examples to get us thinking about what might be a besetting sin that continues to be a weight on us. Things like jealously, pessimism, lust, pride, anger, lying, and a critical, proud spirit can slip in a go undetected. We must be disciplined to seek God and use the mirror of His Word to expose sin. There is a powerful example of how sin can beset us in the Venus fly-trap.
“When the captive is entirely at the plant’s mercy, the edges of the leaf fold inward, forming a closed fist. Two hours later, the fly is an empty sucked skin, and the hungry fist unfolds its delectable mouth for another easy entanglement. That is a truly terrifying allegory.”
Hughes challenges us to name our sins before God. We need to get serious about removing the things that hold us back as sin will trap us and suck us dry. Try praying Psalm 139:23-24. Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Did you pray that verse? If not, I challenge you to do it now before you read on. How serious will we be to not only deal with sin, but also hindrances. We would never run a race carrying a backpack.
Hughes’ second point is to Run! We need to keep running even if we are tired, discouraged, impatient, or just ready to quit. Men, discipline means to keep going spiritually whether we feel like it or not. When we struggle to pray or be in the Word, keep doing it! Hughes words it this way, “The sense of biblical ‘perseverance’ is patient fortitude, patiently ‘gutting it out.'” I appreciated the reminder that we all run different races. It is sometimes hard to see someone “running” on flat, easy ground and not be envious and want to quit. Each runner, runs where God has them and for His purposes. Persevere with your walk.
The third point is vital: Focus! We are to be “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” As we walk with Christ through a fallen world, so many things want to grab our focus and attention. We must diligently keep asking the question, “Am I looking to Jesus?” “Am I doing all things for His glory?” He was a perfect example of perseverance in the severest of trials as He looked to the Father for strength and saw the joy of doing the Father’s work. Praise God He persevered and secured our salvation. When we are going through the darkest times of our lives, we have the greatest opportunities to show Christ to others by keeping our focus on Him. Learn from Peter and don’t let the waves capture your attention. They are simply hurdles that Jesus will help you get past. “Those who look away from Christ – the end and goal of our race – will not finish well.” What purpose does God have for you right now? How can He be using you for His glory? That focuses our attention forward and helps us run.
The final point is Consider! In verse 3, we are given the key to not following over exhausted in our walk. We need to consider Christ and the opposition He faced. How did He face them? How did He persevere? Why did He persevere? Follow Him!
So how is your perseverance? Are you tired in your faith or ready to run? Remember to start by taking care of any sins or hindrances that keep you from maturing in your faith. If you need to get another man to hold you accountable, do it! We stand together and rarely alone. Also, what does it really mean to fix your eyes on Jesus? Think through your time and the things you think about. What consumes you? What are some practical things you do to fix your eyes on Jesus. Comment below and share with each other ways we can focus on the goal and finish well.
