“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, ” Hebrews 12:1 KJV *Hebrews 12:1 is an urgent call to athletic-like endurance in the Christian faith, commanding believers to strip away every distraction and sin so they can run their life's race successfully, cheered on by those who proved God faithful before them.* This verse marks a major transition in the Book of Hebrews. Right before this, in Chapter 11 (often called the "Hall of Faith"), the author listed ancient heroes of scripture who endured incredible hardships by trusting God. Chapter 12:1 applies their victories directly to the reader's current life.