November 14

Keep Running 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 121:1-8 | Ezekiel 29:1 – 30:26 | Hebrews 11:32-12:13 | Proverbs 27:17

Today’s Scripture Focus: Hebrews 11:32-12:13

“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 set before him endured the cross, despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1b-2 NIV).

The life of faith is a marathon requiring great determination and endurance. The race is filled with difficulties. The heroes of faith at the end of chapter 11 sacrificed much for their faith–sometimes everything.

I suppose we all have times when we feel tired and weary and are tempted to quit. In those times we are, in essence, told by the writer, “Don’t give up, keep running, persevere to the end; keep your eye on the finish line.”

Like it or not, God uses the difficulties of life to test our faith. In those times we “fix our eyes on Jesus” and refuse to give up. We rely on his strength to carry us through to the finish line.

Even Jesus went through such times, and he focused on the “joy set before him.” He looked to the ultimate purpose, the reward that awaited him as he faithfully and patiently endured the pain and shame of the cross.

Don’t give up. Keep running. Your faith is being tested, but that is not a reason to stop or give up. It is a reason for you to look to Jesus for that added measure of faith that will carry you through.

Father God, I run to you today. Strengthen my faith and keep me focused on the joy that is set before me as I persevere through this time of trial. Empower me by your Spirit and enable me to run with endurance until I reach this journey’s end. Amen.