Sometimes, if we are not careful it is easy to lose heart. When we focus on our surroundings or the difficulty of life, sometimes we do not want to keep going.
Hebrews 12:1-3, "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. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
First, Paul encourages: Keep Going! And run with perseverance. When the race gets tough, sometimes it's just really, really hard to keep going, keep pacing, keep breathing, keep taking strides. Especially if you just do not feel up for it. But no matter what, we must keep on going.
Recently, my husband and I began walking. The first day we certainly did more than we were physically able. But we were so motivated that we walked a long way from home only to figure out we needed to turn around and go all the way back. Whew! It became difficult to keep going, keep breathing, keep pacing.
Second, Paul shouts: Focus. Fix your eyes on Jesus. You see, it's easy to lose our focus and be distracted with many frustrations in life. Paul instructs us to keep our focus on Jesus and our personal relationship with Him, regardless of the circumstances.
In summary, Paul gives us this wisdom: If we persevere and focus on Jesus the result will be, "that you will not grow weary and lose heart!"
I have never seen so many discouraged in the Church world as I have today. Apparently, we've had some priorities out of line. Let's take a check now and get re-focused on what's really important, insomuch that we will not be discouraged or weary in well-doing, but will keep our faith strong in God. Remember: God is the pioneer, the author and the perfector of our faith. Hebrews 12:2
