Today I am joining in Five Minute Friday with Lisa-Jo Baker and more than a hundred other bloggers. We write for just five minutes without worrying about making everything perfect. We write for practice. We write for the joy of writing. We write to share our words with one another, to encourage one another in life and in writing. Today the writing prompt is "finish."
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. Hebrews 12:1-3
Physically I cannot run anymore. My body is too tired and weak. But spiritually I am running in a race, and dear Christian friend, you are too! Let us run this race well. Let us finish well. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it” (1Corinthians 9:24).
Running the great race of faith can be wearying. How do we combat the weariness? How do we avoid becoming fainthearted and instead persevere? I love the encouragement found in Hebrews 12:3 which says, “Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” That is how we combat the weariness. We consider Him; we look to Jesus. We follow His example and take courage. Jesus knows what it is like to suffer. He suffered on the cross on our behalf, and He suffered more than any of us ever will. Consider Him. Keep your eyes on Him, and rest in His grace.
Run hard, friend! Keep your eyes on Jesus. Let us fight the good fight and finish the race.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Photo Credit: Olga Caprotti
A beautiful reminder! We will hopefully all finish well when we are called home! Thank you for writing and reminding me to fix my eyes on Jesus!
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