Exposition
The preceding chapter to our opening Scripture, which is Chapter 11, focuses on ordinary people that had faith in an extraordinary God. They were not super spiritual giants that God favoured and chose because of their greatness. As a matter of fact, all of them had flaws that are recorded in Scripture.
Noah: He got drunk after he had been declared the most righteous man of his generation.
Abraham: The friend of God lied that his wife Sarah was his sister.
David: The apple of God’s eye was an adulterer and murderer.
Although these men of faith had significant character flaws, God used them in significant ways. God is always willing to use the ordinary (humans) to do the extraordinary, once the ordinary lets Him. They have become the cloud of witnesses who are urging us on and can relate with our weaknesses because they failed at some point as it happens to us at times.
You may have failed, you may have messed yourself, you may be feeling guilty right now but you can let Jesus have it, for He urges us to cast all our burdens upon Him, … ’’for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
How did they do it? They laid aside every weight, and sin which easily ensnared them. They ran with endurance the Race that was set before them. As a result of this, they have become a cloud of witnesses because they overcame their own race.
How can you make it? Like them, you must lay aside every weight and sin which will easily ensnare you and run with endurance the race of Faith that has been set before you. In this Race of Faith, you have different tests to overcome. You can learn from others to apply in your circumstances but you cannot copy others because you were made in a unique way and also have unique assignments to fulfil. So, to do it well, look away from people, circumstances and yourself and FOCUS on Jesus by making Him have His way in every situation. That is a sureway to RUN.