ENCOMPASSED ABOUT BY A GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES

In the eleventh chapter of Hebrews Paul recounts for us stories of faith from the Old Testament. Beginning with the faith of Abel and moving chronologically through history he mentions men and women who used faith as a guiding force in their lives. In my reading of these verses I attach myself to the stories and envision the struggle each one had in dealing with challenges of life. These were people who relied on the Lord, walking by faith who did not crumble as the battle became almost unbearable. At the end of chapter eleven I reflect on my ancestors, their struggles and sacrifices. I am grateful for their commitment and for the strength of their faith. But the best part about chapter eleven is the beginning of chapter 12.

1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

 2 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

I am encompassed about by a "great cloud of witnesses", my ancestors cheering me on. As I run this race they run beside me and when I am weak they're faith gives me strength. I may lay the weight down and use their faith to beat the sin that does so "easily best" me. And I can run with patience as long as my eye is single to He finished first, my Savior Jesus Christ.

We prepare for our future not by looking ahead but instead by looking back. I learn from my ancestors. I gather strength from their stories. Faith of my fathers, faith of my mothers, those stories carry me across the finish line and into the embrace of those who have loved me through the years.

I am grateful to have been guided here to read this  passage of scripture today and I am grateful that I could feel the Holy Ghost speak peace to my soul as I embrace these words to be truth.