Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3
Scripture Notes
Hebrews 11 recounts several men and women of God, although they were considered faithful, none of them were perfect. God calls men and women from different nationalities and economic statuses. From Moses, who was brought up in the Pharaoh’s castle, to Rahab the prostitute. Many faithful persons have come before us as witnesses and martyrs for the gospel. The cloud of witnesses, those who came before us, knew the promises of God but welcomed them from a distance. They also knew what it was like to feel like a stranger or an exile, even among their own people.
In scripture, we are surrounded by the voices of the witnesses who persevered in trial and exemplified great faith. In reading about these men and women, it should give us encouragement, support, and hope. The saints that have gone before us, and some even today, have experienced great suffering and trials. In trials and suffering, they were steadfast in their faith, with a strong resolve in God’s sovereignty. The apostle Paul was imprisoned many times. He had countless beatings and was stoned. In 2 Corinthians, Paul lists all that he went through for the gospel.
“Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I haveknown hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.
2 Corinthians 11:24-27
Even through all this, Paul’s concern wasn’t for his own well-being. He persevered for the churches and for the gospel. Remember, Paul was once named Saul, a persecutor of Christians. His life changed forever from the time he became blind on the road to Damascus in Acts 9:1-9 and was then converted to serve God rather than persecute His people.
We all experience hardship. Suffering from pain, famine, and even the consequences of sin. The experiences of loss. Loss of a job, home, someone close to us, and/or loss of hope. How does someone persevere through hardship, trials, and sufferings? Fortunately, Proverbs 3:5-6 gives us the answers.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
This verse is easier to quote than to put into practice, especially in difficult times. But Hebrews 12:1 tells us to ‘throw off everything that hinders, throw off the sin that so easily entangles.’ What sin hinders you from trusting in the Lord in all things? What do you need to remove in your life to be able to fully trust God? In the deepest of pains, trials, suffering, and loss, when there is no one else around, God is there. When we lack wisdom, understanding, and strength, we can ask God for it and receive it. The goal in this life is to run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Meaning we are to live this life with resilience and fortitude that God has intended for us.
With our life in Christ, we can take courage and gain hope from the imperfect yet faithful persons who came before us. They trusted in divine sovereignty. When we find ourselves in difficult circumstances, we may want to consider reading and gleaning wisdom from the apostle Paul, Job, Rahab, and the disciples. All of these and many more have persevered and have entered into the presence of our Lord as good and faithful servants.
MEMORY VERse
Orville Houghton Peets. Sails and a Vista, 1884–1968). Etching. The Cleveland Museum of Art
Related Verses
More verses about encouragement and endurance:
Prayer Invitation
Application Questions
- What does running your own race look like, and how can you practice not comparing your spiritual journey with others?
- In what areas of your life are you currently tempted to give up or are growing weary of? How can you better focus on the life of Christ and find encouragement?
- What things in your life do you need to change to have greater endurance through this life? How can you better dedicate time to prayer and scripture, which can bring you closer to God?
- Jesus endured the cross because greater joy was to come. What are the hardships that you are struggling with, where you need to focus more on the ultimate hope of faith?
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