Our Scripture Study
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:1-2
Life goes by fast, but it can also be difficult at times, which can slow things down in that moment. Depending on what you are going through, there can even be moments when time feels like it is standing still.
You might even reflect on the last couple months or even the past year and feel like you had a difficult year. But when you look back on the year as a whole, you wonder where the time went. A great saying for this is, “The days are long, but the years are short”.
God knew exactly how this life would go for us. That is why in the verses above, when He is talking about running the race that is set before us, He said to run with endurance. He knew that we would have to endure some struggles along the way.
It’s not that He wants us to struggle or that He gets joy out of it, He knows that we live in a fallen sinful world and with that comes the consequences of that sin that is in the world. The enemy seeks to bring confusion, temptation, and suffering into the world.
God doesn’t always take our struggles away, but He promises to be with us through them and gives us the strength to endure. He also tells us how to endure, by focusing on Him. He also gave us a great example of how to endure, by enduring the cross for our sake.
Whatever struggle you are facing, look to Him and His example. When we remember what Christ has done for us, our struggles are put into an eternal perspective, and He gives us the strength to endure them.
As we run this race, we should also ask God to help us lay aside the sins and distractions that keep us from faithfully following Him.
What we endure now is temporary, but an eternal reward awaits those who faithfully persevere in Christ.
Have a great day in Christ
Matt
