Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out of us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sad down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
THEREFORE! Because of what we just read in Hebrews 11, that inspiring chapter of faith - both in action and in waiting - we are to be encouraged and inspired to continue to run the race.
We are not alone. We are not the first to endure hardship or opposition. Others have run the race, run it well, and won! Their witness, their experience can and should inspire us to run well and win also.
We need to remember past heroes of the faith, but there is concrete work we can do as well. We need to throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that easily entangles us. Choosing close friends carefully is important. Making wise choices. Dropping activities that may not necessarily be wrong, but may be distracting from what is better. And admitting to any persistent sin in our lives, repenting of it and deliberately turning away from it - replacing it with something good instead.
And above all - to fix our eyes on Jesus. He is the author and perfecter of our faith, not us.
Tomorrow's passage: Lamentations 3-5, Hebrews 13
1 comment:
Amen to that!
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