Pastor Daniel points out to us that the race worth running is not a short sprint, but a long distance race. He tells us that anyone who runs in a marathon knows that in order to race well one must not be hindered by excess weight. In the race of faith we too must lay aside anything that would be a hindrance to completely our race. This is a race that has been set before us by God. Along the way, the race will get tough, but we are run with patient endurance. When the race get difficult we can become discouraged and feel like throwing in the towel. We must look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.