“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us 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. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” – Hebrews 12:1-3 NKJV
Think back to the last time you were really sick. Maybe you had a fever, respiratory infection, couldn’t keep any food down, your body was depleted, and you were exhausted. What kept you going?
I was sick at the end of August last year (2023) and it knocked me off my feet. I slept in the recliner for three days. I couldn’t breathe very well. My body felt like it had been run over by a dump truck several times.
You know the feeling, right?
We’ve all been there at one point or another. But after 47 years on this earth, this is what I’ve learned. I will get better. I will not feel that bad every day for the rest of my life. So, I just kept my focus on the day coming when I knew I would feel better.
No, I’m not telling you to live in the future, because we are all only promised today on earth, but my point being, I knew it wouldn’t last.
How often though, do we do this during the struggles in life and feel like they’re going to last forever? I’ve been there, and still at times head back there. There were years I thought life would never be any different, and I focused on that instead of the joy set before me.
In Hebrews, we hear about Jesus preparing to endure the horrible crucifixion on the cross and the shame and torture and pain He would endure and how did He get through it? He focused on the joy set before Him that one day He would be sitting next to His Father God.
I have done and still do this. I get stuck where I am, I don’t see it ever changing and I don’t focus on the one place which gives me ultimate hope. That focuses on the fact this world is not my home, because I know Jesus, God promised a perfect heaven. Which is why he sent Jesus to die for our sins because He cannot let sin into heaven. I still have to be reminded when I am enduring another battle here on earth, whatever it may be, whether illness or emotional struggle, or everything seeming to go wrong at once like it has this week in July 2024.
Focusing on the joy up before me, that this world is not my home and one day I’ll be sitting in a perfect heaven with my father God. No more pain, no more crying, no more grief, no more of the craziness of this world.
Cue the “Hallelujah and thank you Jesus” dance!!!
Keeping my focus on the fact, this world is not my home while also fulfilling the day-to-day things God has for me while I’m still on earth. I must consider Jesus. Am I better than Him that I think I can endure things without looking to God? Without seeking His wisdom?
This hits me hard every time I come back to it. And I am the pot calling the kettle black here because I must be reminded sometimes daily and sometimes numerous times a day about this. (Cue face palm).
Because we do live in a fallen world where we are inundated with negativity.
Today, I’m coming back to the joy set before me and asking God to remind me when I’m climbing that mountain, whatever it may be, to keep my eyes where they should be.
Father God,
I come before You today and ask You to help me remember Jesus. To consider the joy set before Him of spending eternity with You and I need to do the same. I need Your wisdom for every decision, obstacle, and struggle I encounter, and ask You to walk with me hourly day by day. I cannot do this without You, and I ask You to help me shine for You so I can show You to others.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
© 2024 Susan M. Clabaugh with Encouragement in Daily Living LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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