Keep Going!

Text:  Hebrews 12:1-3 The Message

Scripture Reading: 

Discipline in a Long-Distance Race

12 1-3 Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

Reflection: 

Being a christian isn’t guaranteed to be a walk in the park. Jesus had to deal with so many situations that others would prefer to avoid. Many different versions of this passage are referenced to remind christians to have endurance and that following God throughout our lives is like a marathon, not a 5k. How’s your soul doing? How’s your faith doing? Are you in need of some adrenaline?

Prayer: 

Hi God! Thank you for Jesus and his example that we can get through hard times. Help us to keep our focus on you and revisit the story of Jesus when we need to find the strength to keep the faith. Amen.

Focus for the Day: We can do hard things!

Author: Rachel Dudley, Director of Children’s Ministry