“Run Your Race”

 “Real Talk: Life, Faith, and Following Jesus”

Introduction:

Good morning Eastern Shore Baptist Church. I also want to say welcome to all of our visitors and guests. We are thrilled that you are here and we are overjoyed if you are joining us for worship online. My name is Stuart Davidson and I am the pastor here at ESBC. Welcome. 

This morning, we are finishing a series entitled “Real Talk: Life, Faith, and Following Jesus”. Today’s message is “Run Your Race”. Over the years, there have been lots of famous and memorable races. Go back to 1907. The race was Peking to Paris. It was a grueling 3000 mile race starting in China and ending in France. It took 60 days. What about some more modern races: The Tour de France, The Daytona 500, The Kentucky Derby, The New York City Marathon. All races where thousands of participants compete for a coveted prize and reward. 

Then there is the Marathon des Sables. The Marathon des Sables is a multi-staged ultramarathon held in Morocco’s Sahara Desert. Runners run 160 miles. They battle extreme heat during the day and frigid temperatures during the night. That’s right friends, there is no breaks, no stops, no resting in the Marathon des Sables. The competitors must carry their own supplies and it is against the rules for them to have outside assistance. In fact, the runners must navigate the challenging terrain over the long distance all by themselves. This is particularly challenging as the desert shifts, entire landmarks can be covered in a matter of minutes by sand storms. They have to deal with mirages not to mention wildlife like venomous snakes and vicious scorpions among many other dangerous animals. The Marathon des Sables is referred to as “the toughest footrace on Earth. 

Today’s Message:

“Run Your Race”

As many of you know, I am training for a short ultramarathon, 48.6 miles, over three days coming up in January. Hardly the Marathon des Sables. Nevertheless, running that distance takes a lot of planning, a lot of forethought, and a bit of stupidity. The race that I am running is something that I have been wanting to do for a long time. It is something that I have diligently prepared for for several months now. Am I ready? Only time will tell. Running a race, preparing for a race, is fraught with obstacles:

-you have to consider injuries

-timing is important, you can overtrain and undertrain

-running that distance is not only physical but it is also mental

-during a marathon, the human body begins to break down, muscles begin to evaporate, tendons begin to seize up, dehydration becomes a real problem

-I ran my first marathon, 26.2 miles, last year, after mile 20, I cannot express the pain that my body was experiencing, I had to will myself across the finish line. 

I want to share with you something that you may not know brothers and sisters. Did you know that the Marathon des Sables is not the most difficult race in the world? Did you know that the 48.6 ultramarathon that I am going to run in January is not even close to the most difficult race? 

Listen here. The most difficult race that is being run is the race that you are engaged in day in and day out. It’s Steve’s race. Tracie’s race. Josh’s race. It’s Trey’s race. It’s Mrs. Karen’s race. You see friends, everyday you wake up, you run another leg of your race. When you walk out your door, it is as if the gun has been fired and you have leapt from the starting blocks. How will you run your race? What obstacles will you face? 

The Apostle Paul knew a thing or two about running the race. Listen to what he tells the Church of Corinth in I Corinthians 9:24-27.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NLT

Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! [25] All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. [26] So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. [27] I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

Are you feeling fatigued?

Are you injured? Are you hurt? It is hard to run the race marked out for you if you are carrying pain, hurt, abuse, or trauma. 

Are you distracted? It is hard to find the finish line when you worry about what’s happening in the stands. It is hard to compete if you constantly give ear to the color commentary and the talking heads in the press box. 

Are you running alone? Just like the Marathon des Sables, competitors cannot receive help, there are a lot of Christian runners running alone. Is that God’s design for our run?

Are you frustrated? He is running better than me. She is faster and further along than me. I’ll never be where they are. I might as well give up, toss in the towel, wave the white flag. Is that you this morning? Oh friends, there are lots of people who struggle with the burden of comparison. Comparison is the proverbial weighted jacket for a Christian running. Comparison exchanges our running shoes for flip flops. 

Do me a favor this morning. Under today’s thought fill in the following blanks. You will face adversity. Don’t anguish! God will not abandon you! 

Today’s Thought:

You Will Face Adversity. Don’t Anguish! God Will Not Abandon You!

The other day I was flipping through “New Morning Mercies” by Paul David Tripp. It was like a light bulb moment for me as the quote marries perfectly with my message this morning. Listen to what he says on the matter of running this ever difficult Christian race. 

“If you’re God’s child, you’re not running a race that is based on your own strength and ability. No, you’re running a race in which your heart, your endurance, and your strength are supplied by grace. God’s grace calls you to the race, forgives you when you fall, picks you up again, and strengthens you to go on running. Every day, His grace is given so that you can run well and finish the race.”

Today’s Quote:

“If you’re God’s child, you’re not running a race that is based on your own strength and ability. No, you’re running a race in which your heart, your endurance, and your strength are supplied by grace. God’s grace calls you to the race, forgives you when you fall, picks you up again, and strengthens you to go on running. Every day, His grace is given so that you can run well and finish the race.”

Rev. Paul David Tripp’s “New Morning Mercies”

Background and Context:

Before we jump into the passage this morning. I want to give you a brief overview. I want to provide for you the background and context of Hebrews 12. 

The backdrop to Hebrews 12:1-2 is powerful! The writer of Hebrews has just taken us through “The Hall of Fame of Faith” in chapter 11, spotlighting men and women who walked by faith, trusting God through enormous challenges. Heroes like Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Rahab are lifted up as examples of enduring faith. By the time we reach chapter 12, the writer shifts the focus from these great examples to us, the readers. We’re invited to imagine ourselves running in a grand race, surrounded by a “cloud of witnesses”—those very heroes of faith cheering us on from the sidelines. They’ve finished their race, and now it’s our turn to run with all we’ve got!

But the best part? We’re not alone, and we’re not expected to run this race on our own strength! Hebrews 12:2 encourages us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the One who not only inspires our faith but perfects it. He is our ultimate example, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him and now sits in glory. When we feel weary, He’s there to strengthen us. This passage reminds us to throw off every weight and sin that slows us down, to look to Jesus, and to run with perseverance. This is a call to live a life of faith that’s bold, passionate, and focused on the One who’s already run the race and won the victory for us!

Statement of Belief:

This morning friends, I want to remind you that…

We believe the Bible is inspired, infallible, and authoritative. It is vital for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. God’s Word brings life, peace, and protection, and it profoundly touches the human soul. As a unique and powerful book, let us stand in reverence and respect for it.

Today’s Scripture

Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. [2] We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne.

Pastor: “This is the Word of the Lord.”

Congregation: “Praise His name! Praise His holy name!”

3 Keys To Running Your Race…

First, Preparation: prepare by laying aside every hindrance. Vs. 1

This morning, I want to give you three keys to running your race for the glory of Christ. Our first key is to prepare. Preparation! Prepare by laying aside every hindrance. 

Let’s look at verse one again. 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”

Do me a favor this morning, try to imagine that you are standing next to Marty’s time traveling DeLorean. You’re in the driver’s seat. You see the time bank and you type in Greece circa 50 A.D. You tap the flux capacitor to make sure it is…well…fluxing. Check. You turn the key, hit the gas, 88 miles per hours and in a flash you’ve just found yourself in Ancient Greece. You are driving in the time of the Ceasars. You are back in time with the Apostle Paul. 

While in Ancient Greece, you decide to take in the sites. You visit the Acropolis. You hop in a boat and head over to Crete. You head back and follow the crowd to Mount Olympus. Well, it’s time to go home. However, before you go, you choose to take in some of the local sports. Football is not really a thing yet. Baseball is a nope. Basketball won’t happen for another 1841 years. What you can see is the “gymnikos agon”. What is the “gymnikos anon” you ask? “Gymnikos agon” is translated to “nude competition” and it is what it says. These athletic events were typically held during the Panhellenic Games where athletes competed without clothing.

A site to behold you can imagine. You might think that these games would be very popular and you are not wrong. People were drawn by the tens of thousands to see the games. People came from around the world not only to participate but also to watch. There was nothing sexual about these events to get your minds out of the gutter. 

Remember that Paul and certainly the author of Hebrews would have been well versed in these games. It is entirely possible and most probable that Paul would have attended these games as Paul talks about sports, including running and races, quite a bit. 

Yes, it’s true! In ancient Greek culture, runners would often strip off their clothing to run unencumbered. The goal was to remove any extra weight or restriction that could slow them down, and athletes believed that shedding garments allowed them to achieve maximum speed and agility. This practice was especially common in events like the Olympic Games, where athletes competed entirely nude, both to show their athleticism and as a tribute to the gods.

The writer of Hebrews uses this image to encourage believers to “throw off everything that hinders” and “the sin that so easily entangles” (Hebrews 12:1). Just as ancient athletes stripped away anything that could weigh them down, we’re encouraged to cast off spiritual “weights”—anything that slows us in our walk with Christ. It’s a vivid image that would have resonated with the original readers and serves as a powerful reminder for us today: let go of what holds you back so you can run your best race for God!

That is a vivid example but what is the practical application for stripping off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up?

You know, the longer that I have been a Christian the more that I realize that living this life is really pretty simple. It is not easy but it is simple. Stripping off every weight is really just a careful examination of everything that we carry, all the burdens, that hinder our relationship with Christ. It is just a time of reflection. It is a question of priorities. 

What do you love more than Jesus? Seriously. Answer that question for me today. What do you love more than Jesus? Do you love your job more than Jesus? Do you love your addiction more than Jesus? Do you love drinking more than Jesus? Do you love pornography more than Jesus? Do you love sports more than Jesus? Do you love that special person more than Jesus? Whatever you put in front of Jesus is your burden. Whatever it is, you need to strip it away from your life and run towards Jesus instead. 

Like I said, simple but not easy. 

It may mean breaking up with that girlfriend or boyfriend. 

It may mean going to rehab so that you can set yourself from alcohol or narcotics. 

It may mean that you confess that sin and seek help and counseling so that you can truly be freed from the shackles of sin. 

Prepare by laying aside every hindrance.

1 Peter 2:1 (NIV):

“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”

3 Keys To Running Your Race…

First, Preparation: prepare by laying aside every hindrance. Vs. 1

Next, Perseverance: persevere by running with endurance. Vs. 1

So, our first key is preparation. Prepare by laying aside every hindrance. Next, our second key is to persevere. Perseverance. Persevere by running with endurance. Again, go back to verse one. 

“And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”

The Greek word for “persevere” is ὑπομένω (hypomenō). This word is a compound of “hypo” (under) and “meno” (to remain or stay), meaning “to remain under” or “to endure.” It captures the idea of enduring trials or holding firm under pressure without giving up.

In the New Testament, hypomenō often appears in contexts encouraging believers to stay faithful despite challenges. For example, in James 1:12, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial,” and in Hebrews 12:1, where believers are encouraged to “run with endurance the race set before us.” This word beautifully expresses the strength and resilience required to keep going in faith, even through difficult times.

Honestly folks, when I was writing my message, it was at this point that I hit major writer’s block. It was like I hit a brick wall. That happens to me from time to time. What I have learned is to push back from the desk and go do something else. That’s what I did. I prayed, “Lord, how can I illustrate this point”. 

God is faithful. Amen?

Amen!

He is faithful. 

God gave me a great illustration for this point. The idea of perseverance and holding on. The other day I was watching one of the ESPN’s. No idea which one it was and it really doesn’t matter. 

I was introduced to Justin McBride. You may not know that name but he is very good at what he does. You see Justin McBride is pound for pound one of the best bull riders in the world. Some even consider him to be the best bull riders of all time. Bull riding is one of the most brutal intense sports that someone can pick up. A cowboy mounts a bull that typically weighs 2000 pounds. These bulls are bigger, stronger, and angrier than the men and women who chose to ride them. The other day I saw Justin McBride mount this bull. The two of them were in a very tight pen. Suddenly the pen is opened. At that same moment, a person jams a cattle prod into the side of the bull. This makes the bull very very angry. It was already mad to have a strange man on its back. However, now it is really mad. The bull shoots out of the pen. He rears. He rares. He bucks. This bull is not just trying to throw Justin McBride off its back, it wants to kill Justin McBride. This is the bull’s one mission. Destroy the rider no matter the cost. It is the job of the rider to hang on. The mission of McBride is to hold tightly to the bull for 8 seconds. Once 8 seconds has come, the rider is free to let go and seek safety. 

Those 8 seconds are incredibly challenging, and riders need immense mental and physical endurance to persevere despite the constant jolts and the risk of being thrown off.

Bull riding is a vivid picture of perseverance: the rider can’t let go no matter how tough the situation gets. Just like in faith, where perseverance means holding on to trust in God through trials, bull riders must “stay the course” despite the intense pressure and unpredictable movement. It’s a reminder that sometimes, perseverance looks like simply holding on with all you’ve got, trusting that you’ll get through that rough moment.

I love sharing with you situations that pop up in my life that inform my messages. The other day, I received a call from a desperate church member. When I picked up the phone, she was incredibly emotional. She was hyperventilating. It was a very intense moment. I was driving back from The Infirmary. In that moment, not even knowing what the problem was, I prayed. 

“God, I have no idea what this is about, but help me.”

I know it is hard to believe but folks, I don’t have all the answers. I don’t. God does. I don’t. He does. 

So, this member reaches out to tell me that her brother had suddenly passed. She was now tasked with telling her beloved mother that her son had unexpectedly died. She didn’t know what to do, what to say. She kept saying over and over, “this is a nightmare” and she was right. 

You see friends, that is a bull that none of us want to ride. 

What about another member that I have recently talked too. “Stuart, my job has put me on probation. I have no idea why. I don’t know what I have done and I have no idea what they are accusing me of. Im scared and I don’t know what to do. I can’t lose my job Stuart! I can’t provide for my family if I lose my job. 

You see friends, that is a bull that none of us want to ride. 

What about Carolyn? Carolyn and her daughter Janie. They have been taking care of her beloved husband and dear father 24 hours a day for the last 3 weeks. It was a slow, arduous, and beautiful task. None of us envy that position. Watching someone you love die slowly. 

You see friends, that is a bull that none of us want to ride. 

You know, the Bible talks a ton about perseverance. Holding on. 

James 1:12

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

Romans 5:3-4

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

The bull is just a silly metaphor for life. You might even equate that bull to an attack of Satan. Sometimes the answers don’t come quick. Sometimes we just have to hold on. We have to endure. 

One of my favorite films is Batman: The Dark Knight. In the movie, Bruce Wayne, also known as Batman, is having a conversation with his butler Alfred Pennyworth. Bruce is in a particular dark place. He feels that he has failed. Crime is out of control. He has dedicated his entire life to fighting crime and it seems that the criminals have the upper hand. Corruption is on the rise. In spite of Bruce’s best efforts, the city seems to be falling apart. He is frustrated. He is angry. He is wondering if he has wasted his life. 

Have you ever felt that way? I’ll tell you what, I have absolutely felt that way. If you haven’t felt that way, be patient, you will. Life will rise up and try to kick your teeth in. 

Go back to the movie. In his darkest moment, Bruce asks Alfred what he would have him do? Alfred looks at him and tells him to “endure Master Wayne”. Alfred’s message emphasizes that Bruce must find the strength within himself to endure—to rise above the pain, suffering, and despair. In essence, Alfred is urging Bruce to persevere, to fight through challenges not just with physical strength but with resilience and determination to continue living a life beyond being Batman.

Now, I don’t want you to find the strength within yourself to endure. Your strength will only get you so far. The point that I am making is that real strength, true endurance, comes through faith in Christ. How did that church member walk through the deep waters of loss? How did she tell her mother? How did that church member handle his job problems? How did Carolyn and Janie take care of Bob day after day? Was it their strength? Were they just that strong?

 

No!

They endured through a deep faith and belief in Christ. That is our only hope. Christ is our only hope. 

3 Keys To Running Your Race…

First, Preparation: prepare by laying aside every hindrance. Vs. 1

Next, Perseverance: persevere by running with endurance. Vs. 1

Lastly, Perceive: focus by fixing your eyes on Jesus. Vs. 2

So, our first key is to prepare. 

Our second key is to persevere. 

Lastly, our third key is to perceive. Focus by fixing your eyes on Jesus. Let’s go back to verse two. 

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne.

To fix our eyes on Jesus means we’re not just glancing in His direction or seeing Him in our peripheral vision. It’s an intentional, steady focus that locks onto Him as our source of strength, purpose, and hope. Hebrews 12:2 tells us that Jesus is the “pioneer and perfecter of faith”—He’s the one who started our journey and the one who promises to bring it to completion. When we keep our eyes on Him, we’re anchored to the One who has already conquered every challenge we’ll face.

Philippians 3:13-14 (The Message) describes this perfectly, saying, “I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus.” Fixing our eyes on Jesus means having a forward-focused faith that isn’t sidetracked by past failures, doubts, or distractions. Just like a runner keeps their eyes on the finish line, we’re called to stay locked in on the goal—becoming more like Christ, following His lead, and trusting Him through every step.

A practical way to think about this is in sports, like a basketball player aiming for a free throw in a packed stadium. How many of you played sports in high school? Do we have any college players in the church this morning? If you played college athletics you are going to know exactly what I am about to talk about this morning. How many of you have heard an athlete talk about “the zone”. The zone is the place that all great athletes want to exist. The zone is that place of pure focus. You can have people screaming in the stands, jeering you, making fun of you, screaming at you to fail. They can be throwing things on the court or on the field of play. Nevertheless, even though there is all this stuff going on, you don’t have any sense of it. You don’t hear it. You’ve tuned it out. Major league pitchers have this ability. I have seen interviews is professional baseball pitchers who talk about being in stadiums filled to the brim with people. Craziness everywhere. They don’t even see it. They can’t hear it. They have entered “the zone”. It is just the pitcher, the catcher and the batter. It is a place of pure focus. 

Go back to the basketball player shooting the free throw. Noise, distractions, and pressure fill the arena, but the player’s focus is entirely on the hoop. They block out everything else and concentrate solely on the goal. 

In our spiritual lives, there’s no shortage of “noise”—worries, temptations, hardships, and even busyness. But to fix our eyes on Jesus is to choose Him as our point of focus, regardless of what surrounds us. When we feel pulled in different directions or discouraged, we refocus on Jesus and remember that He is our ultimate reward, the reason for the race.

By fixing our eyes on Him, we experience a deep, enduring joy that pushes us through the struggles and equips us to run our race with purpose and confidence. It’s about making Christ the steady center of our lives, trusting that as we stay focused on Him, He is leading us forward, refining our faith, and pulling us closer to the victory He has already won.

Conclusion:

In our race of faith, Hebrews 12:1-2 gives us three essential steps to run well and finish strong. First, Preparation: we prepare by laying aside every hindrance—anything that slows us down, holds us back, or pulls us away from our calling. This means letting go of sin and distractions that entangle us, so we’re free to run unhindered. Next, Perseverance: we run with endurance, pressing forward with resolve, knowing that our race requires grit, resilience, and the strength that only God provides. And lastly, Perceive: we focus by fixing our eyes on Jesus, who ran this race before us and now cheers us on as we follow in His steps. He is our example, our strength, and our ultimate reward. With hearts prepared, minds set on perseverance, and eyes fixed on Jesus, we can run with purpose, knowing the finish line leads us straight to Him.

Remember friends…

Run Well, For There Is A Reward!

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, knowing that You’ve set us on this race of faith. Lord, we ask for Your strength to lay aside every weight and sin that holds us back, and we pray for endurance to keep running, even when the path feels long or challenging. Help us to fix our eyes on Jesus, our example and our Savior, who has gone before us and now cheers us on. Give us a clear focus and unwavering faith, so that each step we take leads us closer to You. May our lives be a reflection of Your grace, and may we run our race with the strength You so freely give. Thank You, Lord, for being with us every step of the way. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.