Hebrews 12:1-4 NLT
God’s Discipline Proves His Love
1 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. 2 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. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.
I use to be a "runner". I participated in track in high school and up until a few years ago, I continued to run for exercise. If you've ever been a runner you know it is not always easy, sometimes it's painful but you continue to do it for self improvement. You work to improve your time, your distance and your form. Competitive runners wear the lightest shoes and the lightest weight clothing available so they are not encumbered by anything to increase their speed. They know there is a prize at the end for the one who is the best.
Paul uses the "runner" analogy here in describing the Christian life. We strip off the sin that interferes with our relationship with Christ. We run with endurance,
"The fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way". Paul tells us to emulate Jesus. Jesus endured. Jesus knew the prize at the end of His race. Jesus knew His suffering was temporary and necessary for the reward of our salvation and relationship with God.
"The fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way". Paul tells us to emulate Jesus. Jesus endured. Jesus knew the prize at the end of His race. Jesus knew His suffering was temporary and necessary for the reward of our salvation and relationship with God.
What is your Christian race like? Are you comfortable? Is it easy? Maybe you're not working as hard as you should for improvement. Are you being tested and stretched? Rely on Jesus for strength, where He leads you, He will equip you. Are you searching for where you are to run? Wait with endurance, in His time He will reveal that to you.
Blessings, Cecilia
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