Jesus, the Finisher of My Race

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.

Hebrews 12:1-2

Colorful bracelets imprinted with the question, “What would Jesus Do?” have encouraged a generation of young people to reflect upon their choices.

Recently a similar question challenged me to pause and reflect, “How would Jesus live my life if it was His life?" I realized that how I answer depends on how I envision Jesus.

Do I see Jesus as the Son of God and the Creator of the universe?

Do I see Jesus as my Savior and the One who authors my life?

Do I believe that Jesus is using all things to perfect my faith?

If I believe Jesus has forgiven my sins and dwells within me through His Holy Spirit, and if my life is yielded to His control, then Jesus is living my life as if it was His life.

As a result, I am empowered to accept the author of Hebrews’ exhortation to …let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith (Heb. 12:1-2).

I choose to keep-on-keeping-on as I trust that I am on the course marked out for me. It will take my entire lifetime. Each failing and falling forward are part of the running with perseverance as I fix my eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of my faith.

Thank You, Father, for sending Jesus to run the race of life with me. Coach me to keep my eyes fixed on Him during the twists and turns of the course. May You be glorified in the process!

 Linda Lesniewski