Hebrews 12:1-2 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

The Bible describes following Jesus as a "race". It has a beginning (when we accept Jesus and are saved), it has a middle (walking with Jesus every day), and an end (an eternity hanging out with Jesus). We prepare for this race.

Notice though that the writer of Hebrew doesn't say we run the race alone. It's not just us by ourselves trying to run the race. We are not expected to do it alone. We aren't designed to run the Christian race by ourselves. Our race to Heaven, our walk with Jesus, our life’s journey is not one we can do alone. You can’t do the God thing alone. This is why he promises to with us, guiding us and giving us what we need to do the Christian thing. It’s why he puts us in churches. It’s why he gives us families and friends. We can’t do it alone. It’s hard to finish the race alone.

We are made for community, we are made for support, we are made for family. Look around and reach out. Get what you need - from God, from church, from school, from your friends and family. You are not alone.

2 Peter 1:3 - By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.

God bless as you keep running for him and as you learn to run the race with others - enjoying the support and encouragement they give you.

Blogs Based on actual questions asked by young people:
Hopefully these considerations to some big questions asked by young people are helpful to you. Please note that while I have done my best to be true to what the Bible and the Seventh-day Adventist church teaches, I may not always have got it 100% right. So please don’t just take what I say but keep searching out answers from God for yourself.
If you have any further questions, on these topics or any other, please feel free to:
1. Keep exploring the answers using a Bible, Christian books, Google, prayer, friends, family, youth leader, pastor, school chaplain, and an open heart.
2. Come say hi and chat to me in person when I am at your church or in your region.
3. Email me at LanceBoulton@adventist.org.nz
Don't be afraid to ask questions. God is bigger than your biggest question and isn't afraid of what you are wondering. Let your questions drive you into a fuller knowledge and experience of God (rather than driving you away from God).