“As for us, we have all of these great witnesses who encircle us like clouds. So we must let go of every wound that has pierced us and the sin we so easily fall into. Then we will be able to run life’s marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us. We look away from the natural realm and we focus our attention and expectation onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God! So consider carefully how Jesus faced such intense opposition from sinners who opposed their own souls, so that you won’t become worn down and cave in under life’s pressures. After all, you have not yet reached the point of sweating blood in your opposition to sin. And have you forgotten his encouraging words spoken to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t underestimate the value of the discipline and training of the Lord God, or get depressed when he has to correct you. For the Lord’s training of your life is the evidence of his faithful love. And when he draws you to himself, it proves you are his delightful child.”
This is an encouragement today to keep up the good work, to keep running the race the Lord has set before you. Don’t get discouraged. Encourage yourself in the Lord. We are living in an amazing time in history and God planned for us to be right here, right now. He wouldn’t have given us an assignment that He hasn’t given us the grace to complete. Shake off the naysayers and those who are trying to discourage and distract you and run the race set before you with passion, determination & endurance - because you are delightfully loved and prized by the Lord of all Creation.
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