Ready. Set. Go! — Running the Race of Faith - Morning by Morning, January 2, 2026

“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, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Freshly written and sent out immediately "morning by morning" from the morning prayer time of Tommy Hays each day.

God bless you and you have a great day!
—Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

http://messiah-ministries.org

Transcript

Morning by Morning, January 2, 2026 – Ready. Set. Go! — Running the Race of Faith

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Take my heart and lead my life, as I begin my day embraced by my Father, centered in Christ, and filled with the Holy Spirit. ...

“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, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

One way Your Word describes my journey of faith in You is like running a race.

First, I get ready. I lay aside every weight that would weigh me down. That’s healing and freedom through the One who endured the cross for me. I get set free from every sin that would ensnare me or trip me up. That’s forgiveness and mercy through the One who endured the cross for me.

Then, I get set. I position myself to listen for the shot to sound. That’s waiting on You, listening for You, learning to recognize Your voice in the intimacy of prayer, ready to trust and obey.

Then, I go. When I hear the sound of Your command, I take off. Not too soon; not too late. But right in step and right on time because You’ve made me ready and I’m set to go. That’s active participation in Your plan and purpose. Not sitting back passively, waiting for somebody else or something else to happen. Not waiting for You to do something You’ve commanded me to do. But to “Go” in obedience and faith to run my race (Matthew 28:20). And nobody can run my race but me.

As I go, as I’m running my race, I’m not looking at my feet. I’m not looking at the crowd. I’m not looking at myself. I’m looking to You, “looking unto Jesus.” Because You are the Goal. You are the Prize. You are the “Finisher” of my faith. The goal of this race to become more like You. As You are, so am I to be in my world (1 John 4:17).

I become like the One I’m looking to, like the One I behold, being “transformed” into Your “same image” every step of this race “from glory to glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18). All by Your “same Spirit” empowering me, energizing me, making me more like You as I’m looking unto You (v. 17-18).

Lord, let me run my race today and every day so as to win “the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24). You are the Prize. You are the Goal. Becoming like You is the purpose of this race—to “be conformed to the image” of the Son of God who endured the cross for me (Romans 8:29).

You endured Your cross for me so I could run my race for You, all for the sake of “the joy” set before You and now for the sake of the joy You set before me. By the power of Your grace, may I run well, may I finish well, may all be well with my soul on this journey of faith, this race of faith in transformation and confirmation into Your image You set before me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.