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, looking to Jesus, the author 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. Hebrews 12:1-2

DEVOTION

I am really passionate about running and being outside. I know, I know … a lot of you might roll your eyes thinking, “Why would someone ever willfully choose to run?” But, hear me out. 

It is one of the very best things I can do for myself mentally, spiritually, and physically. When I run, something crazy happens and I just find space to think clearly. As my body moves, my brain relaxes, and this creates the perfect quiet space for me to hear from God and process the things going on in my life. When I run, and calm my heart and mind, I hear from him more clearly than in any other place in my life. 

Recently, I was really stressed about many different areas in my life and they were all colliding in my brain. I began to feel overwhelmed and anxious. The Lord kindly reminded me a long quiet run with him might help. 

As I ran and talked with the Lord, I began to realize the stress and anxiety I was feeling was coming from me trying to hold a tight grasp on things that needed to be laid down at his feet. They were things that were not mine to carry and needed to be surrendered to the one who is in control of them anyway. 

The Lord reminded me of Hebrews 12:1-2, one of my favorite passages, that says, “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, looking to Jesus, the author 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.”

In my conversation with the Lord, I felt like he was using that passage I’d memorized long ago to remind me that I really can—and should—throw off the weights of fear, worry, and doubt that were making my heart so anxious. He reminded me I’m able to surrender to him the sins that so easily entangle me. He reminded me to just put one foot in front of the other and run with endurance, keeping my eyes locked in on him. Jesus is truly the author and perfecter of our faith. Because he endured the cross and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God, we can actually trust him with our hearts and lives. 

I think about this often when I get overwhelmed or stressed or scared. I try to remember what a loving father would say to me, and in my brain, it sounds a lot like: “One foot in front of the other, kiddo. Eyes on me—we got this.” 

The Lord is kind and longs to know us closely and talk with us, whether we’re working through hard things on a run, sitting in the carpool line picking up kids, in the elevator on our way up to the office, doing yard work, or folding laundry. The Lord is near, and he cares deeply about all of it. 

I’d challenge all of us to lean in and go with him instead of trying to do this life on our own each day. 

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, 

We thank you that you hear us, see us, know us, and are for us. Thank you that you’re closer than we’ll ever fully know, and we can trust you even when we don’t see or understand what you’re doing or why you’re doing it. 

Thank you for meeting us where we are and going with us on our way. Thank you that we get to talk to you whenever we want. I pray we would tap into that and remember that because of Jesus, we have access to you at all times. We love you so much and ask you to help us remember you today.

Amen. 

MaryAshton Floyd

Young Adults - Women’s Director

mfloyd@crossings.church

RESOURCES

• Unwavering series 
• The Story of Job teaching series
• “Run to the Father” worship song