Everything That Hinders
-
The following article has been excerpted from Called to the Wild by Christopher Lawrence.
Let us throw off everything that hinders…and let us run
with perseverance the race marked out for us.
-Hebrews 12:1
I gasped for breath as I ascended the steep mountain slope on skis. Somehow, I strode in front of the pack of racers.
I was competing in the recreation division of the Wasatch Powderkeg, an annual backcountry ski race in Utah. In the niche sport of ski mountaineering, also known a skimo, racers push through a series of lung-wrenching climbs and high-speed descents.
For some reason, I enjoy this kind of “sufferfest.” Facing the final climb, my lungs stung and muscles ached, but I rejected the urge to quit.
Racing reminds me of the Apostle Paul’s description of an epic athletic contest, though likely a chariot race, not skimo.
He points to the most important “race”: living our lives for and with Christ in our short life on earth. These verses challenge every believer to throw off hindrances and strive to follow Christ wholeheartedly.
In the sport of skimo, weight is a critical component. Because most of the race is spent ascending, racers fuss over every ounce, seeking the lightest boots, bindings and skis. Even carrying too much water can slow one down.
Similarly, sins encumber our faith, too, like pride or selfishness. They prevent us from racing well, which proves problematic, especially because we don’t know how long our race will last.
We would like to think we will live at least 80 years, but we have no guarantee. Life proves fragile and mysterious and even those who live many years still feel this truth: life is short.
With this in mind, Paul’s command to us rings loudly like a race cowbell: run! We must keep racing, giving God our all, as we seek the prize of his acclaim, rather than temporary podiums.
Spiritual endurance proves critical, as we face unexpected challenges in marriage, parenting, health, careers, retirement, or even daily survival. Indeed, faithfulness over a lifetime demands serious grit.
And why should we strive to endure? We follow the example of Jesus, “For the joy set before him he endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2).
We know at the finish line, when we meet God face to face, we will experience joy beyond our comprehension, as only what is done for Christ and with him will matter. Life on earth constantly hides this reality from us, like a mist covering the racecourse, but the finish will reveal the truth.
As I neared the end of my skimo race, I stretched my limits and somehow crossed the finish line first. I was thankful to have given this race all I had.
While the victory was fun, probably no one but my wife and I will remember it as the years continue to pass by. Indeed, temporal glory pales with the lasting trophies we will receive for winning the most important race of all: the race of our faith.
Question:
What things are slowing you down in running your race of faith?
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for the opportunity to run this race. I ask for strength to get through the difficulties I’m facing today and will face tomorrow. May you be glorified through my life. Amen.
From one Adventurer to Another
Called to the Wild is a 40-day journey filled with thrilling adventure stories and poignant Biblical meditations, through which outdoor guide and Cru campus minister, Chris Lawrence, helps readers overcome fear and self-doubt by learning to follow Jesus as their trustworthy Guide through life’s every adventure.
