Articles
Is It So Hard?
Does the Christian life at times seem more than you can bear? May these thoughts from Hebrews chapter 12 encourage you!
1) Others have overcome. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11], 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…” (Heb. 12:1). They endured. So can we.
2) Jesus showed us how to endure. “Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted” (Heb. 12:3). Jesus suffered far more than we ever have or ever will. He endured. So can we.
3) Suffering makes us strong! Our Father loves us so much that He allows us to suffer in order to bring out the best in us. “…he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness” (Heb. 12:10). Suffering can have a refining effect on us—if we let it (Rom. 5:3-5; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7). So how are we to deal with affliction? Let’s expect it, accept it, and not reject it. We need it more than we realize. Someday we’ll look back and see how much we’ve grown!
4) Just think what we have to look forward to! “…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…” (Heb. 12:1-2). Jesus endured because He knew something better lay ahead. Focusing on the joy set before us helps make the painful present bearable. Trials are temporary; joy is forever.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
