“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
The Bible is filled with the stories of many people who endured great hardship, but nevertheless persevered through faith. The passage above evokes the picture of a stadium filled with spectators waiting for the runners to cross the finish line. Those in the stands have each finished their own individual races, and now they are watching us complete ours. This cloud of witnesses includes some amazing spiritual athletes, and their presence in the stands should motivate us to run our race to the best of our ability. Imagine yourself telling Abel that you could not get along with your siblings or Enoch that you did not have time to pray. Imagine telling Noah that you could not go to church because it was raining or Abraham that you did not feel that you could give your children to God. Imagine yourself telling Isaac that you could not trust the Lord for the right mate or Joseph that you could not resist temptation. Imagine telling Moses that you were tired of hearing people complain, or Joshua that you felt like you were just marching around in circles. God wants you to remember those who experienced victory through faith and be challenged to trust Him, too.
Morning: Ezekiel 5-7
Evening: Hebrews 12