Cloud of witnesses

You always run faster when there is a crowd cheering.

I noticed this at the Olympics – how many personal bests were achieved, records broken. Some of that will have been from the thrill and challenge of competing, and beating others. Some of that, I suspect, is from the volume of the cheers, and the weight of expectation in their voices.
The runners carry the good wishes of their nation in every step, and that is enough to quicken it.

The Bible says that the Christian life is like a race. On a day like today, when I feel like I am flagging and need cheering on, I go to Hebrews 11.
I read with comfort the list of those who have gone before me, the ragtag crazy bunch of people, messed up in various ways, whom God is pleased to name as heroes of the faith. The adulterers, the questioners, the wrestlers; they limped through, and they won.

Today I am glad that David, Gideon, Jacob, Rahab are listed as people of faith, the people who had their eyes fixed on things unseen, who longed for a better country.
Today I listen for their voices, in that great cloud of witnesses, cheering me on to keep running, to keep my eyes fixed on that better country, that glorious saviour.

“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, fixing our eyes on Jesus…” Heb 12:1-2a

With thanks to Scott Herron for the encouragement this week
Over to you:

  • Whose voices do you need to hear today, cheering you on in the race?

This was my best five minutes on ‘the race’. Also linking with

Beholding Glory

Linking with Joy in this Journey, Imperfect Prose, WIP Wedsย 
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29 Responses to Cloud of witnesses

  1. Debbie 12th October, 2012 at 6:22 pm #

    I loved your Five Minute Friday post! And yes, I agree that we seem to do better and run harder when we are being cheered on. I think the blogging community is great at this. I’ve received so much inspiration and encouragement from them.

    • Tanya 12th October, 2012 at 6:42 pm #

      Thank you! Yes, I also have found it to be a really supportive community – I really appreciate it. Thanks for stopping by here today ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. Joy 12th October, 2012 at 5:41 pm #

    Such grace filed thoughts in 5 minutes – you have definitely beaten the clock today! Thank you for the reminder that God requires faithfulness, persistence and endurance from us as we run the race of life in Him, rather than perfection. Seeing these heroes of the faith being commended despite their human flaws and failings gives us hope to keep going on to the Finishing Line – even if we arrive wounded and battle-scarred, limping and weary rather than breasting the tape victoriously. The destination and purpose for journeying counts more than the way we arrive there.

    • Tanya 12th October, 2012 at 6:42 pm #

      Thank you so much for your words – you express it so beautifully! Persistence not perfection – I love it. Thank you for the ways you encourage me. ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. Nikki 12th October, 2012 at 5:31 pm #

    Oh, I was going to say that you and Ro were on the right track today — but you already know that ๐Ÿ™‚

    This filled me up….I’m ready to join the others. Racing for His glory…

    So encouraged by you! Trust you’re feeling well enough to enjoy the weekend ahead!

    • Tanya 12th October, 2012 at 6:40 pm #

      Yay you! You’re one of those voices cheering me on – I love your gift of encouragement, sweet Nikki!

  4. Annie Barnett 12th October, 2012 at 5:25 pm #

    I’m so happy to have found this space, and your writing. Thank you for this.

    • Tanya 12th October, 2012 at 6:39 pm #

      Thank you, Annie – you have really encouraged me today ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. Mia 12th October, 2012 at 1:57 pm #

    Hi Tanya
    Today my pain and exhaustion is truly flaring up, and as you know, only as we hear the loving voice of our Pappa God, can we rejoice even while we are suffering. I think you also need a place amongst those heroes of faith. What encourage me about them, is their vulnerability and just being human. Yet, looking forward to the time we all will be reconciled again with our Pappa. Thanks, dear friend.
    Blessings

    • Tanya 12th October, 2012 at 6:37 pm #

      Lovely Mia – I’m sending you an extra specially large hug today, and praying that God will be close to you. Much love xx

  6. ro elliott 12th October, 2012 at 1:16 pm #

    Hey…we did have the same theme here…yes…letโ€™s hear those who have gone before us…and those around us cheering us on. I am so sorry to hear that you are not well…I dealt with a chronic illness for about 10 yrs. So glad you can find encouragement in this bloggy world…it is a blessings. Grace and peace to you today~

    • Tanya 12th October, 2012 at 6:35 pm #

      Great minds think alike!
      There are a surprising number who are dealing with chronic illness… Interested to hear that you had it for so long. Thanks for your encouragement!

  7. denise 12th October, 2012 at 11:28 am #

    Appreciate the encouragement, bless you.

    • Tanya 12th October, 2012 at 6:33 pm #

      Thanks, Denise!

  8. Becky 12th October, 2012 at 10:30 am #

    Oh Tanya! So good. And encouraging. The Lord was so sweet to not write the names of people who did it “right” every time. Who led a spot free life. They failed. Again and again. And found their strength in Him. Their faith pleased Him, not their fame.
    Mmm. Good stuff! Thank you!

    • Tanya 15th October, 2012 at 8:02 pm #

      Thanks for stopping by – great to peruse your blog too!

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