Read: Hebrews 12:1-3
“Therefore since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart.”
Understand:
- What do we have surrounding us?
- What can so easily ensnare us?
- What are we supposed to do?
- Who should we keep our eyes on while we are running this race?
- What did He do for us?
Listen:
Believing is trusting. Scripture tells us “faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen”(Hebrews 11:1). When we believe, we are practicing faith in Christ and this is pleasing to God. Hebrews 11:6 continues to explain that “the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.” We live by faith that God is Truth and His word is Truth and we rely on His word to guide us in our life. Hebrews 10:35-36 encourages us to maintain our faith and persevere in it. It states “don’t throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you need endurance, so that after you have done God’s will, you may receive what was promised.”
Very often, when it takes our endurance and perseverance to maintain our trust that God is in control, we can grow weary. That is the lesson we learn from perseverance. Even though the weight seems to heavy, we continue on. We continue believing, relying on His word, His Truth, to get us through. This doesn’t mean there won’t be moments where we slow down but don’t stop! Endure! God has got this and He will come through because we know that the “One who [has] promised is faithful”(Hebrews 11:11).
Hebrews 12:1-3 gives us the reason Jesus died on a cross for us. It states that “for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross. . .” We are His joy. We are the reason He was hung on a cross and was crucified. He did that for us. Remember this when you start to grow weary. Take a moment to read the verse below and really think about what it says.
What then are we to say
about these things?
If God is for us, who is
against us?
He did not even spare
His own Son,
but offered Him up for us all;
How will He not also with Him
grant us everything?
Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect?
God is the One who justifies.
Who is the one who condemns?
Christ Jesus is the One who died, but even more,
has been raised;
He also is at the right hand
of God and intercedes
for us.
Who can separate us
from the love of Christ?
Can affliction or anguish
or persecution
or famine or nakedness
or danger or sword?
As it is written:
because of You we are being
put to death all day long;
we are counted as sheep
to be slaughtered.
No, in all these things we are
more than victorious
through Him who loved us.
For I am persuaded that
neither death nor life,
nor angels nor rulers,
nor things present,
nor things to come,
nor powers,
nor height, nor depth, nor
any other created thing
will have the power
to separate us
from the love of God that is
in Christ Jesus our Lord!
Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that You died for us. Thank you for our salvation and for being with us and helping us endure trials and get through this life. It isn’t always easy but help us to persevere, knowing that You have got this and You are faithful! In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Majacka Literary Creations 