The runners in a race must look ahead, towards the end of their race. And Christians must look towards Jesus. In other words, they should constantly think about Jesus.

 

A Christian’s relationship with God begins, and ends, with Jesus. It is Jesus who shows Christians how to trust God. It is Jesus who made it possible for Christians to trust God. Jesus began their relationship with God, and he will complete it. It is Jesus who will make their relationship with God perfect (Hebrews 11:40).  From: usefulbible.com  – by Keith Simons

 

Ezekiel 29:1-30:26
Hebrews 11:32-12:13
Psalm 112:1-10
Proverbs 27:17

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New Testament: Hebrews 11:32-12:13

Summary: Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith. Do Not Grow Weary

 

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, 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

 

 

A Christian’s battle

 

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. ~ Hebrews 12:3

It is very wrong to pretend that Christians will have no real difficulties in this world. Sometimes people do give that impression when they urge someone to become a Christian. But it is very wrong.

 

When a person becomes a Christian, they join in a battle. It is a battle between God, and the evil forces that control this world. Although we do not see that war, it is real. It is the most important war that exists anywhere. And we do see its effects.

 

For clear evidence of that fight, we only have to think about Jesus’ life. Jesus was completely good, so there was no proper reason for anyone to oppose him. But evil people were constantly opposing him. And on many occasions, they tried to kill him (for example, Mark 3:6; Luke 4:29; John 7:19 and Matthew 26:4).

 

Christians are in that same battle. So of course evil forces oppose them. Of course they will have problems and difficulties. They have the problems and difficulties that everyone suffers. And in addition, they may have extra problems and difficulties because of their relationship with God.

 

But Christians do not need to be afraid of their difficulties. God is stronger then the devil; and he makes Christians strong during their troubles, too (1 John 4:4). As they think about Jesus, God will give them the courage to stand firm. As they trust him, he will give them the power to go on (Isaiah 40:31).

 

The battle is not their battle, but God’s battle. They are on God’s side, so God supports them. Nobody can overcome God. And nobody will separate them from the love of God, their father (Romans 8:31-39).

 

From: usefulbible.com  – by Keith Simons

 

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Listen to John MacArthur on today’s scripture below

 
Run for Your Life
 Hebrews 12:1–4

  

The Christian life is pictured as warfare. In 2 Timothy 2, verse 3, it talks about enduring hardness as a good soldier. And in Ephesians 6, it talks about the armor. And then the Holy Spirit speaks of the Christian life like a wrestling match. Ephesians 6, we wrestle not against flesh and blood but principalities and powers and so forth. And even the Holy Spirit speaks of the Christian life like a boxing match, as if it were a prize fight. Paul says, “I fight not as one who beats the air,” and he pictures the boxing there in 2 Timothy 4, verse 7 (a), may perhaps also have the same reference. 
 
 

 

 
 

We tend to run away from trouble when it knocks. However, hindsight shows us that each painful experience grows us and reveals more about God’s goodness. Could this be a story you can relate to? Find out how pain can bring you peace by watching this video.

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