Hebrews 12:1, “Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the founder and perfector 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.”
We all have struggles and challenges in our lives in one form or another. Mine seems to center on conflict, and unfulfilled expectations, in light of Hebrews 12:1. What would be yours? Do you feel frustrated? Know that you are not alone. We must continually redirect our thoughts to God’s truths and promises to conquer discouragement in the race of faith to see things through. It takes “endurance.” Merriam-Webster’s definition of endurance states “endurance is the ability to withstand hardship or adversity. The ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity.” I must admit I have felt weary when undergoing a trial and wanting the ending to appear quickly. Going through the “prolonged” part is what often gets me.
The heroes of the Hall of Fame of Faith were listed in Hebrews 11. The author of Hebrews pictured these and others using the phrase “a cloud of witnesses.” This was a figure of speech indicating a large group of people and were examples of living and applying their faith with endurance. We need some Abrahams, Sarahs, and Noahs today. Daniel’s faith stopped the mouths of lions. Oh, that I would have faith like these heroes of the OT.
What are the things that so quickly ensare you and are sins or weights that hold you down? The Greek word euperistaton, stands for “clings so closely.” The NLT version says, “especially the sin that so easily trips us up.” It can be translated four ways (David Guzik’s Blue Letter Bible Commentary): “easily avoided,” “admired,” ensnaring” or “dangerous.” What often trips you up?
“Endurance is needed to run that race. Endurance translates the ancient Greek word hupomone (hoop-om-on-ay’), “which does not mean the patience which sits down and accepts things but the patience which masters them. . . It is a determination, unhurrying and yet undelaying, which goes steadily on and refuses to be deflected.” (Barkley). We have to stay focused on the root of the problem, seeing it through, and not get distracted from the goal and long-term purpose in our Christian walk.
Today determine not to be defeated – don’t quit in the lane you are running your race in life. In Acts 20:24, Paul stated: “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” God calls us (me) to finish with joy which only can happen with endurance, testifying to the grace of God in one’s life.
“Every morning lay it all out to God – all of your weaknesses, burdens, frustrations, etc. Seek His approval. Then lay down your will and be quiet before the Lord. You will receive God’s sufficient grace and mercy for the day. The deepest struggles of our souls are just as great victories as any miracles found in the Bible. When we can control our temper, love others that have wronged us, having peace in the middle of a crisis, showing kindness without retaliation, having self-control with our mouth, all of these are just as great a victory as David slaying Goliath.” Linda Killian, Eliminating The Greener Grass Trap. Quitting The Habit Of Comparisons, 2020, page 149.
Need a shot of adrenaline today? Review Hebrews 12:1 and what Jesus has done for you. The Message states Hebrews 12:2-3 this way: “Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!”
Listen to Phil Wichkam’s Lyric Video Heart Full of Praise