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

Hebrews 12:1-2

In Hebrews, chapter 11 we find faith legends who lived out their faith with strength and courage, no matter what the obstacles may have been. These heroes of the faith saw victories whereas others saw defeat. They saw opportunities where others saw failure. These heroes of the Christian faith not only lived their lives by faith, but they also acted on that faith.  It should therefore come as no surprise that this faith heavyweight list ends with “...Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”

All these giants of faith acted on their faith in difficult circumstances.  They made up their minds in advance and when the moment of testing came, they put their faith into action. They took the risk and stepped into the unknown with courage. Such was the faith of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph and so many others.

As we look forward to a new year and the journey of life ahead of us, we can look back at people who have lived by faith, even in the most difficult circumstances, spiritual ancestors in Jesus’ extended family and many others who have been welcomed into the family of God. We can be encouraged by their stories. Even more, we can look forward to the One who looks encouragingly back at us, the One who came to die so that we could live with him forever. 

His name is Immanuel (God with us).  He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords in this New Year, and it is he that calls us to run with perseverance the race marked out for us (in 2025), fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).

The clock is ticking.  It's time to run.  Are you in?  There’s no point in running alone, find others who are like-minded and let’s run this race together. It’s so much more fun doing this as a team. Amen.