Monday, November 17, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: James 5

Running the race of life is not always easy. We can face obstacles that try to trip us up along the way. They can strip us of our joy, test our patience, and challenge those places inside where pride wants to do whatever it takes to be the first to cross the finish line.

Have you ever faced an obstacle like this?

When life knocks us down, it’s tempting to give up and let our failures define us. But setbacks don’t have to stop us. They can become the very moments when God strengthens our faith. If we view obstacles through the lens he has for us, we can reframe how we approach them.

What could happen if we challenge ourselves to strip off anything that slows us down, especially sin, and run with endurance the race God has set before us?

Hebrews 12:1
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.

Sometimes, we get discouraged by failures or setbacks, but the key is where we keep our focus.

Hebrews 12:2
We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

Jesus is not only the author of our faith but also its perfector. He has walked the path of suffering, endured the cross, and now sits in honor beside the Father. When we trust him, even in our failures, he can lead us to victory.

This means that our losses and mistakes are not the end of the story. Each stumble can teach us something, refine our character, and strengthen our perseverance. By keeping our gaze on Jesus, we remember that he has overcome the ultimate challenge. His victory is our victory.

As we run our own race, we are called to let go of distractions, accept forgiveness for missteps, and keep moving forward with faith. Life is not about avoiding every failure, but about learning, trusting, and enduring. When we do this, we can run with joy, hope, and confidence because Jesus leads the way.

Questions:
Who are the people in your life who inspire or encourage you to persevere in faith? How can you encourage them in return?

Next Steps:
Pause today to consider what's slowing you down. Journal about the weights you can release and the actions you can take to move forward more freely. If you need guidance or discernment in taking the next step, talk with a trusted friend or someone at your campus.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for being the author and perfector of my faith. Help me to lay aside anything that slows me down, especially the sin and distractions that trip me up. Teach me to fix my eyes on you, learn from my failures, and run the race you have set before me with endurance and joy. Remind me that you are my champion and that victory comes through trusting in you. Strengthen me to keep moving forward, knowing you are always with me. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Romans 1:20
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

This post was written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content for the Daily LivingItOut.