Cheering Crowds
“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.” – Hebrews 12:1 When life hits us hard, we can find encouragement by looking to Jesus and remembering the faithful saints who finished their journey before us. The writer of the Book of Hebrews reminds us of the many great heroes of faith who steadfastly braved their race, thereby leaving us a powerful example of perseverance. In fact, this great cloud of witnesses — all sitting in the grandstands of Heaven — are cheering us on today as we stay the course and traverse over rugged terrain with tenacity. Sports enthusiasts know that in football, when the crowd erupts in a thunderous roar, they are called the thirteenth man. Though there are