Endurance

Endurance
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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him 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 sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
It should not shock us to find out the moment we decide to follow Jesus we will encounter opposition. The enemy had us right where he wanted us and he lost us the moment we decided to follow Jesus. Therefore, we should prepare for opposition. When we are prepared for the opposition, it doesn’t bother us near as much. We expect it! Jesus knew what his purpose was and therefore, he endured a lot of painful & horrific stuff and he never let it move him from his purpose. That’s the way we should be. God saved us for a reason and now we have a purpose. We shouldn’t let anything move us from that purpose. We should be wise as serpents and harmless as doves as we move steadfastly toward the purpose for which God has called us.
We need to have a heavenly view. Sometimes we are so wrapped up in the here and now, that we lose sight of what is really going on and what lays in front of us when this journey is over. Think about it just for a minute. What is going to matter in your life in a 100 years? What is important now? Will that be important in a 100 years? If our focus is on material things, we are wasting time and energy on stuff that will not matter in a 100 years! If it doesn’t matter in a 100 years how well does it stand up into eternity?
Most Christians give up right before the victory. Let’s purpose in our hearts to be like Jesus. Let’s see the big picture. Let’s purpose to endure whatever we have to “for the joy set before us! We will endure our cross, scorn its shame and spend eternity in heaven. If Jesus could endure such opposition from sinful men, then so can we because He has promised He will never leave us or forsake us! Let’s not grow weary and lose heart. “We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.” Hebrews 10:39
Consumed by the call,
Pastor Marty