Hebrews 12:1-3

    "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.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane

     What you need to understand, as you read this passage of Scripture, is that just preceding it, the author of Hebrews has listed what one could call the Hall of Fame of the Biblical faithful.  "By faith", Abraham, Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab the prostitute, and many others are commended for doing the will of God and believing, when they had no evidence that what was promised them would occur.

     They are our human examples, and then, of course there is the Supreme Example of Jesus, who humbled himself to become like you and me, and show that we can endure the unimaginable if it is for the glory of God.  

     As the Scripture says, we each have a race marked out to run, and when we get weary and discouraged, we have examples to lift us up and overcome our doubts, our sins and our fearfulness.  I often turn to Hebrews, Chapter 1, and read all 40 verses to receive the motivation and strength to face what this life has tossed at me.  Each of these names gives me encouragement, and I hope one day, that when I stand before my Savior, there will be a verse 41 that proclaims that I ran my race, by faith.