Daily devotional · July 28
Run With Endurance
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
The writer of Hebrews pictures a stadium filled with people from the past whose lives testify to God's faithfulness. Surrounded by them, we are encouraged to throw off whatever slows us down, and the sin that clings so easily, and to run with perseverance the race marked out for us. This is not a sprint but a long race. The key is where to look: fix your eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross and now sits at God's right hand. When we consider him, we do not grow weary and lose heart. It helps to ask what weight we are carrying that we could set down. Today, identify one habit, resentment, or distraction that drags on your spiritual life. Name it before God, and make a concrete plan to put it aside. Keep your eyes on Jesus and take the next steady step.
Prayer
Jesus, author and finisher of my faith, help me lay down what slows me and keep going.