“And let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12: 1b-2

My job requires me to drive all over the city on a daily basis in all kinds of conditions. And because of the miles field reps accumulate my previous company required me to spend a day in driver training every couple of years. We spent the day reviewing safety information and driving through a course of pylons – all to make us safer drivers.

One of the most important reminders I pick up is the emphasis on keeping my eyes on the furthest point in the horizon and not focusing solely on the few feet directly in front of me. By looking ahead, I can actually see more.

Spiritually speaking, looking ahead to Jesus is essential to getting home safely. The writer of Hebrews doesn’t encourage us to look at the cloud of witnesses or our current circumstances. If we’re too focused on the past or the right now, we’re likely to stumble.

Instead we look to the Founder and the Perfecter of our faith as we run with endurance the race set before us.