For an athlete, there is nothing like competing in front of a home crowd. Nothing is more inspiring than hearing the cheers, feeling the energy and responding to the wave of encouragement. In the summer of 2012, US decathlete Ashton Eaton road the cheers of a home crowd to a remarkable accomplishment at the US Olympic Trials. During the 2-day 10-event competition, Eaton set two world decathlon records in the 100 meters and the long jump, but still needed one more personal best in the final event, the grueling 1500 meters, to break the world record for the overall competition.

Eaton, a strong runner, ran the four laps to a crowd on its feet – the noise level was palpable as the crowd cheered him on. Despite the fatigue from 48 hours of competition, Eaton had a marvelous finish, accentuated by the first place runner surrendering his lead to allow Ashton the full, sweet taste of victory as he surged to the finish. Immediately after crossing the line, Eaton fell into the arms of his fiancé and mother as the crowd burst anew. The full realization had sunk in that this young man had established a new world record in the event, setting a new standard as the “World’s Best Athlete.”

Eaton’s victory is a special reminder to us as Christians that we never run our race alone. As we face the daily challenges of living in a world tainted by sin, we can be encouraged by many who have run this race before us and many who run alongside. Just as Eaton had to overcome each obstacle that stood between him and a decathlon world record, we must face each difficulty that comes before us as Christians. Every obstacle holds its own challenge … yet Hebrews 12 says that we are not alone. And with the help of Christ and other believers, we can throw off anything that tries to entangles us.

So as we face trying situations, let's find our strength in Him and in the company of others who uplift us, intercede for us and encourage us. “Go on,” they cry, “finish the race!” Since we have such a great crowd of witnesses and serve a mighty God, let’s run our race with strength and endurance, not allowing any obstacle to slow us down!