Hebrews 12:1

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us

Persevering obedience of faith in Christ is the race set before us. We will either win the crown of glory, or have everlasting misery. Sin is against us, and we are prone to sin because of our human nature. And it is our sin that hinders us while
running the Christian race. Sin take away every motive for running, giving power to discouragement. When we grow weary and faint in their minds, we must remember what Jesus suffered. By looking to Jesus, we strengthen our faith.

There is a proneness in believers to grow weary, and to faint under trials and afflictions of life. Christians should not stumble under their trials. Their enemies and persecutors are nothing more than instruments to inflict sufferings, our Heavenly Father has his hand in everything. However, Christians ought not make light of afflictions, either, and be without feeling under them. The storms of life
are the hand and rod of God, and may be His rebukes for sin.

Bear up with faith and patience. God may let others alone in their sins, but he will correct sin in his own children. In this He acts as a father. It is always for our profit.

Our whole life here on Earth is likened to a state of childhood. We are imperfect to spiritual things. When we come to a perfect state, we shall be fully reconciled to all God's chastisement of us now. God's correction is not condemnation.

Let us learn to consider the afflictions brought on us by the malice of men as corrections sent by our wise and gracious Father, for our spiritual good.

And let us run the race to the end.