It reminds me of when my brother used to run long distance races! He was on the cross country team in high school, and he continued competing in races for several years even after high school. We would map out his route and then station ourselves along the way to cheer him on as he went. Many spectators did this exact same thing for their friends and family members. As soon as we could see my brother approaching, we would start cheering! You’re doing great, Jacob! Keep going! You got this. Don’t give up! Come on, Jacob! Run hard and finish strong! He’d hear us yelling, see us smiling and encouraging him for just a few seconds as he continued on his way, but he would say that those few seconds—scattered throughout the race—were differencemakers.  

While I had so much fun being the cheerleader myself as my brother ran, I also enjoyed watching others cheer on their runners. Most of the time, you could see a visible change in the runner as he or she took in the encouragement. It provided a little boost of energy, a little motivation, a little perspective.

Athletes aren’t the only ones who need encouragement and support. We all could use someone cheering us on along our journey of life. As you know, life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, hills and valleys, highs and lows. For me, it’s sometimes shocking how big of a difference an encouraging word, text or email from someone makes.

I read Hebrews 12 in The Message translation of the Bible recently, and it got me all caught up in my emotions—like I was still wrapped up in that moment at the wrestling meet! 

Here’s the New International Version of the verse: 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. -Hebrews 12:1-2a

And here it is from The Message translation: 

Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. -Hebrews 12:1-2a

Who are “all these pioneers,” or the “the great cloud of witnesses” as more traditional translations call them? Well, if you open up to Hebrews and turn back one chapter, you’ll find Hebrews 11, which many people dub “The Hall of Faith.”  This chapter gives examples of people from biblical history who lived by faith. Some of them we might consider giants of the faith, while others take up just a small space on pages of Scripture. But no matter how well known they are, their faith was commended by the writer of Hebrews. He names Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Moses’ parents, the Israelites, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David and Samuel and other prophets. These people!! They’re up in heaven cheering YOU on!

Isn’t that just the most amazing thing to think about? Consider…

When you’re having a terrible day, you can close your eyes for a quick second and picture Noah, Moses and Rahab looking down on you saying, “Hey! Don’t get down! We had bad days, too. (Trust us. Lots of them.) But don’t worry, things will turn around. You got this!”

Or when you’ve been trying to be in the Word more regularly, and you finally track five days in a row, Monday through Friday, what could you envision? Look up to the clouds and squint your eyes. Maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of David, Abraham and a few of the Israelites gathered around shouting, “YOU DID IT!!! Keep going, girl! It will only get better and better!”

What about a day when you just feel lost and confused? Maybe you’re uncertain of the next step to take. Find a quiet corner, take a deep breath, and listen for the whispers coming from Joseph, Samuel and Gideon saying, “It’s normal to be unsure. We were uncertain at different points of our lives, too. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Look for Him in the Bible, talk to Him in prayer, and stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings. Your Good Shepherd will lead you on. Trust in Him!”

Encouragement is just so powerful. I could literally go on and on listing so many incredible examples that stick in my mind from watching sporting events over the years. They’ve moved me to tears time and time again. And I love that the act of encouraging another person is beneficial and impactful for both the encourager and the person being cheered on. That’s part of the beauty of it.

Which leads me to ask… Who have you encouraged lately? Who have you cheered on and supported? Who have you helped take the next step? Who have you celebrated after a big (or small) life win? Whose hand have you taken when she felt alone? Who have you given a friendly little push on the shoulder to move forward rather than stay stagnant? When have you chosen to speak up instead of staying silent? Is there someone you have watched struggle (or succeed) from a distance instead of drawing near? What strong, independent person have you just assumed doesn’t need any encouragement? 

Take the time to make the call, write the note, send the email, and shoot the text. Show up for someone! Step right up to the edge of the mat, pay attention to another person’s wrestling match, and speak LIFE into that person. Whisper or shout, one time or repeatedly. No matter how it looks or sounds, just keep on encouraging the people around you!

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. -1 Thessalonians 5:11

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. -Hebrews 10:24-25