Run Your Race

March 03, 2026

“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,” Hebrews 12:1 (ESV)

Someone who is running in a race makes sure they are not weighed down with anything that could hinder their speed. Many times, runner will try to find the lightest clothing, the lightest shoes they can find so they can run as swift as they can, without anything holding them back. Many times, in life we are running a race, and we do not think to ensure we have the lightest things to run the race with. many times, we are running this race called life weighed down with a multiplicity of things on us, and we cannot do it effectively because of all the weight we are carrying with us. The Scripture reminds us that we should lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily holds us back and run the race that is set before us with patience. I encourage you today to lay aside all the things that are keeping you from running the race God has set before you. It is easy to get bogged down with the things of life, and before you know it you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. It would be one thing if you were only carrying around your stuff, but you are carrying around other people’s weight as well, and before you know it, not only can you not run it is even difficult for you to walk. Lay aside the things that are holding you back and weighing you down. Lay aside the sin that is keeping you from getting to the place God has for you. It is not going to be easy, but God has placed the path in front of you, and He knows what He is doing, so run this race with patience. This race will not be won overnight, but when you can get rid of the dead weight in your life, the race will be easier to run. Whatever is holding me down and back, I will get rid of it, so I can run the race God has for me, knowing He will not leave me in the midst of the race alone. Since I am running the race much lighter, I have no doubt, "It's My Year To Get My Thing From My God!"

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for giving me the strength to run the race that is in front of me. Lord, sometimes the road gets rough, and the load gets heavy, help me to remove the weight off my shoulders so I can run the race you have given me with strength and patience. Thank you, Lord for walking with me in this journey of life. I love you Lord. In Jesus Name Amen.

Be Inspired, Rev. Dr. Stephen W. Pogue, Pastor
Greater Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church
Mount Vernon, NY