By Melissa Sharp
“Therefore we also, 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, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1–2
By now, you may have seen the viral video of a high school runner who tripped on her final hurdle—only to do two somersaults to cross the finish line and win first place. The article, “High School Runner Trips on Hurdle and Somersaults Her Way to Gold,” tells the story of Brooklyn Anderson, a junior track athlete in Oregon. Leading her 100m hurdle race, Brooklyn stumbled on the last hurdle. Without missing a beat, she launched into a gymnastics-style roll and crossed the finish line first with a time of 14.93 seconds.
“All I remember is resorting back to my gymnastics career. I just knew to just keep rolling, because I wanted to get first,” she told reporters.
What a vivid picture of perseverance—and a spiritual reminder for us all. Life can change in an instant. We may be running well, focused on our goals, when sin—or discouragement—trips us up. That’s why the writer of Hebrews warns that sin “so easily ensnares us.” It’s not always the obvious or dramatic sins that bring us down. More often, it’s the subtle distractions: unchecked thoughts, small compromises, or moments of spiritual laziness. That’s why we are reminded to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us!”
As a trail runner, I’ve rarely been tripped up by obvious hazards like boulders or fallen trees. It’s the small things—tiny roots, ruts, or pebbles—that catch my foot, especially when I take my eyes off the path. Spiritually, it’s no different. The moment we stop “looking unto Jesus” is the moment we become vulnerable. The enemy doesn’t need a massive trap—just a moment of distraction.
Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:14:
“I press toward the goal for the prize of the high call of God in Christ Jesus.”
If you’ve stumbled recently, don’t stay down. Repent. Get up. Keep moving forward in faith. The sting of the fall may linger, because sin ALWAYS has consequences, but God’s grace will restore you when you repent and turn back to Him. Like Brooklyn, your stumble doesn’t mean defeat—it’s an opportunity to keep rolling toward the prize. God can—and will—restore all those who are truly sorry and seek forgiveness. This means you can get back in the game and take hold of the prize that awaits every believer.
Reflection Question: Have you allowed a recent sin or distraction to pull your focus away from Christ? Don’t let anything keep you from the great prize: glorifying God and bringing His kingdom into the hearts of people!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that falling into sin doesn’t mean I’m disqualified—it only means that I need to repent and turn back to You. Help me to recognize the subtle distractions that so easily trip me up. Keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith. Teach me to run with endurance, and keep me faithful training in Your Word and serving with other believers. Thank you for Your grace that restores and refreshes my soul. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Happy Running!
Melissa Sharp is an ultra runner and running coach who has completed more than 100 marathons and ultra marathons. Melissa has learned how to keep running the race of life for the glory of Christ even though she endured decades of domestic abuse. Melissa is a survivor. Through her daily blog thejoyfilledrunner she inspires others to live in the strength of Christ.
