Hebrews 12:1-2a

“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 for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

In the preceding chapter of Hebrews, the author gives a list of the “heroes of the Christian faith.” Sometimes when we are feeling discouraged, it helps to look up at someone who we admire. Someone who has been where we are and made it to the other side. Do you have a Christian friend who you look up to? Does their journey help inspire your own walk with God?

When we start to feel like our faith has reached an end, we can remember all the Christians that have gone on before us, and take comfort in their success. It’s like being coached by a person who led a former All-Star basketball team and knowing that the same superior coach is training us, too. The Lord did not leave the Christians before us and He will not forsake us, either.

Focus on the road ahead, and keep your gaze on Jesus. “Perseverance” means to “hold on in following a course of action.” Jesus is the best and the only perfect example of living the Christian life; “the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” When we compare our personal struggles to Jesus’ life and death, it makes it easier to put our lives into perspective. The very barriers that seemed so large and unwieldy tend to shrink before our very eyes when Jesus becomes our goal.

When Christians go on mission trips or serve others in their local community, sometimes it can be physically and emotionally draining. It takes a lot of effort to show the love of Jesus Christ wherever you go. However, we have to remember that it’s all for a good cause. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel. There is hope that will reward our faith.

This week, please be encouraged that the path you walk on right now has been trodden by many others before you. And they reached the prize: Jesus. Remember the reason that you started this journey and have perseverance. Hold on to Jesus.