Have you ever thought of all the people in your life who have impressed you so much that you wish you could have known them more?
The writer of Hebrews gives us a glimpse of the faithful people who by their faith had the courage to change things for the Israelites. For some, this came with a heavy price. But it was through their faith in God that they persisted and through scripture still encourage us.
We are also called by God to be God’s children, surrounded by a cloud of witnesses or others who share the faith. These are the ones that I look to in my life who have affected me greatly, both those who are still with us and those who now rest with our Lord. You, too, can look to those in your life who either are still active in their faith or whose past witness was inspirational to you, for encouragement to run with perseverance the race that is set before you.
Gracious Lord, we remember all those in our lives who had the faith to believe in you. May their example of faith be our guide on how we can run the race you have set before us. Amen. —