Enduring the Race Set Before You – Beloved Women – July 10, 2020
READ: “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.” (Hebrews 11: 1 - 2 ESV)
TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: Life has a way of discouraging us to the point of wanting to give up. Sometimes the pressures of this life may seem like too much to bear. The writer of Hebrews understood this, and as a result,he penned the entire book of Hebrews to encourage believers in their faith.
The above verses come directly after Hebrews Chapter 11, that outlines a long list of men and women in the Hall of Faith. This list includes Moses’ mother, Jochbed, who hid him in a papyrus basket in the Nile. He also mentions Noah who built an ark when there had never been rain. He names Abraham, the father of our faith, who left his people and traveled to an unknown land. These men and women all persevered in their faith, though they never received the promise of Jesus Christ.
After naming these pillars of our faith, the writer then says because of this “great crowd of witnesses,” we can throw off all that is weighing us down. Essentially, the writer is saying when we get discouraged and when we want to quit, we can remember those that laid the foundation for our faith. He further says, we can endure hardship in life by looking to Jesus who endured first on our behalf.
PRAY: Dear God, When I am tempted to quit, remind me of those men and women that laid the foundation for the Christian faith. Help me to remember Christ Jesus, who endured the cross on my behalf. In Jesus Christ’s Name, I pray, Amen.
REFLECT: How might looking to Jesus help you to endure your present circumstances?
CONNECT: For more encouragement from Kia Stephens download her free audio message, “Knowing God as Father.”
NEED MORE BELOVED: If you like the Beloved Women Daily Devotional you will love the Beloved Women’s Online Conference. This a one-day event is filled with speakers, worship, workshops and more to refresh, refuel, and empower women like us to find rest for our souls, peace for our minds, and hope for the journey. Our mission is to replenish the women who do so much for their families and communities so they can continue to build better futures for themselves and those they love and serve. If you’re ready to energize your relationship with God learn more and register today at https://www.belovedconference.org.
© 2020 by Kia Stephens. All rights reserved.
For more Beloved encouragement including Daily Devotionals, practical advice for everyday Christian living, Bible Studies, and more be sure to visit us at www.belovedwomen.org.
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Originally published Friday, 10 July 2020.
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