OPENING SCRIPTURE:

In their hearts humans plan their COURSE, but the Lord establishes their steps. (Proverbs 16:9 NIV)

• The word course in French is race. In French we say, “la course” or “The Race”
• But when the Lord establishes or guides or directs each and every step, an ordinary race turns into this amazing race called life.

For the lord to direct your steps in that race you have to be engaged.
• Engagement when 2 people are getting married.
• Engagement when a plane is about to take off.

For the lord to direct your steps in that race, you need to make sure that He is the only audience that you care about.

The Bible gives us a plan for this race: Hebrews 12.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance THE RACE God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. (Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT)

#1 We are not alone
“We are surrounded by a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith”

• All along this race, God has strategically placed people to assist you. They cannot run the race for you. They are simply there to assist you.

Exodus 17:11-13 – The children of Israel were fighting the Amalekites in a battle.

As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. (Exodus 17:11 NLT)

• Why did Moses hold up his staff during this battle? He was instructed by God to do it. That was part of his race.

Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. (Exodus 17:12 NLT)
So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset.

As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle. (Exodus 17:12-13 NLT)

• Moses was surrounded by others: Aaron, Hur and Joshua.
• Moses was not alone.

#2 Travel Light
“LET US strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.”

• The words: “Let us” speaks of intentionality.
• Weights are the excess baggage that God does not want you to carry: offenses, unforgiveness
• Weights are also wrong beliefs that weigh down your heart, entangle your feet, distract your attention, and deplete your energy.

So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. (Hebrews 2:1 NLT)

#3 Run The Race
“And LET US run with ENDURANCE THE RACE God has set before us.”

• The word “Endurance” from a biblical definition means: getting through trials of life without compromising or wavering.
• The enemy wants to keep you down but you have to remind him that You Are Getting Back UP!

Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; When I fall, I WILL ARISE; (Micah 7:8 NKJ)

#4 Keep Your Eyes on Jesus
“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith”

• Why is Jesus the champion? Because He not only finished the race, but He did it without sin.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT)

CONCLUSION
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through this message?