Day 7 | January 7
DAY 7 | January 7, 2024 | MORE PATIENCE & ENDURANCE
VERSE: Hebrews 12:1-2 “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, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith...” ESV
Each day presents us with a fresh start and a new opportunity to learn, to grow and to engage with others to make a difference and be a positive influence where we are at. Often we can’t see beyond our own need and therefore are blinded to opportunities around us, let alone the needs of others where we can be a positive difference.
The scripture exhorts us to run with endurance the race that is set before us. A race is in reference to a competition in this application, not so much with others, but with the enemies of life that weigh us down. We are subjected to negative influences such as sin, fear, anxiety, inferiority, insecurity, discouragement and doubt, to list a few, that attempt to force us out of the race.
Endurance is the ability to stay in the race even though it may be difficult. We must determine and identify what we are facing today that is attempting to weigh us down or hold us back from reaching the finish line. Endurance is the ability to withstand hardship or adversity, it is the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity such as a marathon. The Greek word for endurance is hupomoné (ὑπομονή) and is defined as steadfastness, or to patiently wait for. It is a persistence that refuses to quit no matter how difficult things may be.
An athlete that is successful at running has made it a regular practice, even when he does not feel like it. He does not allow his feelings to keep him on the sidelines and stop him from running the race.
It’s important to understand that God enables the believer to remain patient or endure under the challenges that we face in this life. The only way we can run this race and win is to keep our eyes focused on Jesus and give Him your consideration. We are to set our sights on Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith and determine to run the race that is set before us. Most likely we need some finishing touches in our life because we are a work in progress.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Heavenly Father, your Word exhorts us to run with endurance the race that is set before us. We choose to set our eyes and focus on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. He is the one we must consider in light of our present circumstance. Thank you, Lord, for the victory!