Running The Race While Abiding

Life is hard. Those three words sum it up, right?

As Christians, we are instructed in Hebrews 12:1-2 to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance 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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.“

I studied these verses today and the choice Jesus chose to endure; the rejection, beating, humiliation, and pain of being nailed to the cross to provide hope for the world. He pushed on and focused on the joy set before Him where He knew He would be sitting at the right hand of His Father in heaven forevermore,

He endured the devastatingly hard and excruciating death, and gained the keys to hell. He pressed on, and we are to press on as well.

So, how do we do this?

By abiding. Jesus told us to in the following:

John 15 says “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this, my father is glorified that you bear much fruit so you will be my disciples. As my father loved me, I also have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.“

He reminds us to abide in His love. He said to stay or remain in My love. He knew we would face hardship and trouble. Yet, He lets us know if we remain in Him; remain in our Father God, we can persevere and run the race and keep our eyes on the prize.

He modeled it for us when He endured the cross. What are you facing today which you need to persevere through? What steps can you take to abide in your Father God so you can run the race which is set before you and ultimately bring glory to His name?

Let’s ask our Father,

Father God,

You are aware of what I am facing and You can provide me the strength to persevere. Show me how to abide in You and how You can be glorified. What steps do you want me to take? Help me hear You and follow You in all and through all.

 In Jesus Name,

Amen

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