The only way Jesus could go through it is if that which awaited Him at the end was greater than what He had to go through to get there.
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 12:1, 2)
Our ability to succeed in the race that we’re on is to focus on one who had a focus on something greater than whatever suffering He would have to endure.
When we’re slipping and sinking under troubling circumstances, we can be reminded of Jesus. We can be reminded of what He endured on the way to the cross and then on that cross itself. We can be reminded about that and lift our eyes from the circumstances to the Lord over our circumstances. Our focus can be targeted on one who knows what it is to suffer and agonise and endure because the joy is far greater than the suffering.
There is joy that awaits those who endure. And even in the enduring, praise to Him gives us a taste of the joy and that joy in Him gives us strength. Strength to see the greater that is ahead. Strength to take another step. Strength to persevere.
Something greater is ahead. Someone greater is here to give us the example and inspiration needed.
Let’s fix our eyes on the joy.
(Photo by Nathalie Jolie on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 