Your Race

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. Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV)

I am standing on the sidelines as I watch you run your race,

and my heart is beating wildly at the sweat upon your face.

You’ve been running hard, running strong, but this track has stretched so long.

Now the strength and joy you started with have slowly slipped away,

as the pain of each new obstacle fills you with dismay.

So, you run a slower, treading pace, and lift your leaden feet.

And I see the doubt flash in your eyes that maybe you’ve been beat.

I am standing on the sidelines as I watch you run your race.

And my heart it leaps within me as you fall upon your face.

The other runners pass you by as you struggle to get up.

A skinned-up knee, a bloody nose, your hands are full of cuts.

I’d jump right in and take your place. I’d do it in a breath.

But this is yours to walk and run — through trial, pain, and test.

Yet, if you listen very closely, you’ll hear His voice speak through,

“Get up, my child, and run this race. I’m here. I run with you.”

I am standing on the sidelines as I watch you run your race.

And my heart it breaks completely at the tears upon your face.

I call out my encouragement to try to help you through.

I know I cannot run your race; it is something you must do.

I have seen so many races that I know this to be true:

that only when you run your race will the prize be given to you.

So, I’ll stand here on the sidelines as I watch you run your race.

I’ll pray for you and cheer you on to keep a steady pace.

And when you cross that finish line and shout, “Sweet Victory!”

Praise the One who held you up, though others could not see.

Then join me at the sidelines, and together from that view,

We’ll find another’s race to watch and pray and cheer them too.

🩶 Terra Haisley © 2007/2025

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.  And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works. Hebrews 10:23-24 (NKJV)