Hebrews 12:1-3
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. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
The writer here compares living our Christians lives to running a race. We are encouraged to have endurance, which suggests a long-distance race, rather than a sprint. We are to remain focused on Jesus, who dying on the cross, took our sins upon Himself and set us free from slavery. Jesus is the centre of our faith and our example in all things.
Hebrews 6:11-12
And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
The promises of God are true and they are appropriated through faith at the right time (patience). We must not grow weary of doing good, of following God because with perseverance we will succeed.
Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Sometimes it feels like life is throwing everything at you or it feels like you are going nowhere fast, but don’t let these feelings take charge. Remember feelings are great for helping us experience life but they are terrible for discerning truth. We need to get our truth from the Word of God, the Rock, anything else is unstable ground. When things look bad to the natural eye, remember that God is for you, He is your deliverer and we live by faith in His promises.
2 Corinthians 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
We live in a fallen world that will throw things at us, but remember that Jesus has overcome the world and as joint heirs with Him, we get everything He gets. We too can overcome the world through Him!
John 16:33
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
Romans 8:16-17
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
So be encouraged, don’t give up, run the race with endurance, so that you may overcome in this life.
As King David said in Psalm 27:13
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living.
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