#734 – Cloud Of Witnesses

Good morning people who position themselves for greatness

I am drawn to the opening phrase of Hebrews 12:1 today and want to ask you a question.

Hebrews 12:1 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.

…we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses…

This is referring to the incredible men and women of faith that we read about in Hebrews 11. These are people who impacted history. These are people who responded fully to the work of God in their lives. These are people who inspire us as we seek to live lives worthy of the vocation to which we have been called (Ephesians 4:1).

In more modern times there is also a great cloud of inspiring witnesses; people who testify to God’s goodness and grace. People like Billy Graham and Reinhard Bonnke inspire me to live life well. In fact, I have just read Reinhard’s Autobiography called Living a Life of Fire. My faith has been stirred so much as I read about what God is doing in response to this man’s faith and expectation. I highly recommend this book to every person; it’s time for much more of God than we have yet experienced!

So here’s my question today: Who is inspiring you to run your race with perseverance? This is not an accidental happening but a deliberate placing yourself in the way of learning from great men and women of faith. Too many times we feed on lots of natural stuff that doesn’t satisfy, stir up or often even honour God. It’s time to make a decision and take action on feeding ourselves, in fact, feasting ourselves, on testimonies and stories of people that are running the race well.

So again I ask you today: Who is inspiring you to run your race with perseverance?