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We can endure difficult times if we know the outcome will be worth it. We suffer through exercise in the gym to get stronger, we practise an instrument for hours to improve our performance and we endure the dark, cold months of winter, knowing that summer is coming.
These verses in Hebrews tap into this idea, encouraging the reader to ‘run with endurance the race that is set before us’ (12.1), meaning to remain faithful and keep trusting in the promises of God, no matter the challenges we face in life.
In Hebrews 11, the previous chapter, the writer provides a stirring overview of many heroes of the faith from history. We have ‘so great a cloud of witnesses’ who have run the race ahead of us, how can we fail to be encouraged? The writer reminds us of how they held on to God’s promises when they suffered and endured to the end. In turn, the trials we experience as we follow God are nothing compared to the hope and victory we have in Christ.
Ultimately we’re reminded that the strength to keep running comes from looking to Jesus, the one who fulfils all of God’s promises. Our faith is to be rooted in him, and he is to be our role model. He too endured extreme suffering, because he knew the outcome would be worth it – our salvation and the glory of God. That’s what the writer means when he speaks of ‘the joy set before him’. He has defeated sin and death, reconciling us to God, and now he's ‘seated at the right hand of the throne of God’ (12.2).
Take action:
Have you ever felt wearied by the sufferings you experience in this world? Does finishing the race seem impossible? Do you feel weighed down by sin? Look to Jesus in prayer: talk to him about your suffering, thank him for his willingness to suffer on your behalf, and ask him for strength to endure.
Read Hebrews 11 and write down all the ways you’re inspired and encouraged by the lives of faithful witnesses from the past. Have you met faithful witnesses in your own lifetime? Thank God for their example in your life and ask God to use you to encourage others in a similar way.
What does the Bible say about the joys set before us? Write these down as reminders for whenever you begin to wonder if the end result will be worth it.
This reflection was written by Leonie Dorland, from the Bible Engagement team at Bible Society.
If you have two minutes: Listen to the audio reflection and ponder how it might be relevant in your life.
If you have up to ten minutes: Read the Bible passage and listen to the audio reflection; you might want to keep a small journal, or note on your phone, to jot down words and phrases that jump out at you. Finish with a brief prayer to put what you have read and heard into practice.
What if I miss a day(s)?: Don’t worry, life happens! Just pick up the devotional again on the current day, and, if you wish, you can use the space for reflection on Sundays to listen to those reflections you may have missed.
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