Bec's Blog

August 2025 Blog Post by Pastor Bec

Did you know there is “a race marked out” for you? Just you? Along with all the rest of us, can you believe there is a special plan and purpose for your life? 

I was pondering the powerful words of Hebrews 12:1 recently, and this phrase stuck out in my mind. The author of Hebrews, (some say Paul), began this important section of Scripture with the compelling word “therefore.” This is always significant. It’s usually the head of a summary statement, or something indicating “sit up and pay attention to what comes next.” 

The NIV Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders, and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” 

This thought becomes even more exciting when you think about what goes into marking a race path. Our Creator God has gone to great lengths in designing His plan for our individual lives. He has already gone ahead of us (Deuteronomy 31:1-13; Hebrews 6:20) and knows of the potential hazards, turns, intersections and significant points of our life journeys. 

He knows the obstacles we will encounter. He knows the victories we will achieve. 

He knows about the heartbreak, and the strengthening. Ultimately, though there will no doubt be trials along the way, following the race course the Lord has marked out for us is where the greatest peace and joy will be found. We can trust Him to be our guide. 

Thinking of the special race marked out for us is a lot on which to meditate.  

And I encourage you to do so. But when I started researching the original Greek words behind our English translation, this Scripture became even more thrilling. 

To begin with, “the race” means “contest.” Who’s going to win this race of life you’re running? Will it be God in you? Or will you give up or give in to your own ways, or even worse, the wiles of the enemy of our souls? Who will win the contest for your soul? 

Have you declared belief in Christ? Are you getting to know Him more as time goes on? Or have you decided to do life on your own? Without Him? 

Our Life Race is a contest, or conflict. It’s a fight, with contention. Who’s going to win? 

As the star runner on your course, you are the one to ultimately decide.