Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses

Heb 12:1

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

🏃‍♂️ Keep Running the Race of Faith, By Pastor Mark Boucher

Over the past few weeks, we've been exploring Hebrews 11—a chapter filled with powerful stories of real faith and genuine trust in our amazing God and Savior. These stories remind us that faith isn’t about perfection; it’s about believing in the promises of a faithful God, even when we can't yet see them.

Hebrews 12 opens with a powerful image: "Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses..." (Hebrews 12:1)

What does that mean for us today?

It means that all those who have gone before us—heroes of faith like Abraham, Moses, Rahab, and many unnamed believers—are witnessing our journey. They didn’t see the full fulfillment of God’s promises in their lifetimes, yet they looked ahead with hope. Now, they cheer us on, knowing the joy of being in God’s presence and longing to see His plan completed in and through us.

And that “cloud of witnesses” isn’t limited to the names listed in Hebrews 11. It includes every believer who has gone home to glory. What a humbling and beautiful thought—we are being cheered on by a great heavenly crowd of saints who understand the journey, the struggle, and the reward.

Letting Go of What Holds Us Back

The writer of Hebrews exhorts us to:

"Lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race set before us." (Hebrews 12:1)

If you've ever trained for something—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—you know it takes focus, discipline, and sacrifice. The same is true for our spiritual journey. Many of us carry unnecessary weights—worry, shame, past mistakes—that slow us down. But God never meant for us to carry those alone.

Jesus invites us: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

It’s taken me years—and more trials than I’d like to admit—to learn that His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. Too often, we try to manage our struggles on our own. But the truth is, God is always inviting us to hand over the weight.

Surrender and Strength

The call to lay aside sin is just as real. We all have areas of weakness—sins that entangle us far too easily. But trying to overcome them in our own strength leads only to frustration. Growth comes when we realize that God is more interested in shaping our character than sparing us from difficulty.

As Philippians 2:13 says:

“It is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.”

He is the one who gives us the strength to endure, the grace to stand, and the power to overcome. He hasn’t abandoned us—He is faithfully working in us, crafting a life that bears the peaceable fruit of righteousness.

Run With Endurance

So today, be encouraged. You are not running alone. You are part of a great, eternal family of faith. You are surrounded by witnesses who have finished their race and now cheer you on. And most importantly, you are being strengthened daily by the God who never leaves you nor forsakes you.

Keep your eyes on Jesus. Let go of what weighs you down. And run your race with joy, purpose, and endurance.

You were made for this.

🙏 Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,Thank You for the reminder that we are never alone in this journey of faith. Thank You for the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us, whose lives inspire and encourage us to keep going. Help us to lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us. Give us the strength, courage, and focus to run with endurance the race You have set before us.

Teach us to trust You more deeply, to surrender our burdens fully, and to walk in the freedom and grace You so generously offer. Remind us daily that You are working in us—shaping our hearts, building our character, and drawing us closer to You.

We fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. And we thank You that the same power that raised Him from the dead is at work in us today.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.