Thank you for the application question on running with patience, “How do you run with patience, especially looking at Hebrews 12:1?”
As one reads Hebrews 12:1, the verses and thoughts continue through verse 3. Thus, in answering the question, one must keep the context in mind.
Hebrews 12 says this, “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, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (NIV).
Here are some thoughts on how does one run with patience:
1. A believer must run with patience and perseverance.
There is a difference between patience and perseverance. One can view patience as being calm in an irritating situation while perseverance is not giving up or staying under the situation.
In other words, a person can persevere and be bitter or even angry about what he has to do. He’s doing it, but he’s gripping about it all the time. The gripping is not patience.
2. A believer can run with patience and perseverance knowing that others have run or have completed their race on earth (vs. 1a).
He is able to see how others have been faithful in running their race. He sees the testimonies of others or read testimonies of others who ran with patience and perseverance as Hudson Taylor or Corrie Ten Boom.
3. A believer can run with patience and perseverance knowing that others are watching him run his race on earth (vs. 1a).
He knows that others are cheering him on in running his race. He’s not running alone for there are others running ahead of him and those who are following after him.
4. A believer can run with patience and perseverance when he releases the things in his life that weighs him down (vs. 1b).
He knows the distractions and bondages that is holding him back from running his race. He makes a decision to let go of bitterness, accumulation of wealth or status in life, or even dreams for his own life. He seeks to lay up treasures in heaven and not on earth.
5. A believer can run with patience and perseverance knowing that God has a plan for his life (vs. 1c).
He knows that the purpose of his life is to glorify God, to make disciples for Jesus Christ, to use his presence and gifts to build up the Church of God. He knows that he is to become more like Jesus Christ in his life. He runs with a purpose in mind, not mindlessly.
6. A believer can run with patience and perseverance remembering how Jesus ran his race on earth (vs. 2).
He is to fix his eyes on Jesus the Author and Finisher of his faith. Jesus is to be his example without making excuses that others are dropping out or sitting on the sideline so that he can drop out as well.
7. A believer can run with patience and perseverance in knowing that there will be trials and temptations in life (vs. 3a)
Life is not a bed of roses. There will be trials that will come into his life that will seek to disrupt or interrupt his race. Satan will seek to attack those who seek to walk and do God will. It’s expecting hardship and wearing the armor of God in Ephesians 6.
8. A believer can run with patience and perseverance believing that God will reward him for his faithfulness in life (vs. 3b).
He is not to lose heart or become discourage because he knows that there a crown or rewards waiting for him. He wants to hear the words of commendation from Jesus of being a good and faithful servant of God (I Cor. 3:12–15).
SUMMARY: A believer can run with patience and perseverance by looking to Jesus the Author and Finisher of his faith who fulfilled the will of God.
-Kingston