"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (Hebrews, ch. 12, v. 1 – 3*).
"I give up!" – we usually say this when relationships, work, or something else becomes so stressful that it seems we cannot continue. Sometimes these words are even directed towards God, when the demands seem too great, the cost unbearably high, or the obstacles too discouraging.
However, the Lord provides what is necessary to endure even during times of discouragement. We have the testimony of believers who have gone before us – especially those whose stories are recorded in the Bible. And, of course, we have the best example, which is the Lord Jesus. He endured the cross not only to save us, but also to encourage us not to grow weary and lose heart.
This sin-ravaged world is filled with concerns, but the Lord tells us that we are blessed if we persevere in trials (James, ch. 1, v. 12). To do this, we must rid ourselves of sin and everything that hinders our spiritual growth. Then we will become more like Christ and useful for God.
When we contemplate the possibility of giving up, we focus on ourselves instead of our Savior, who has provided what is needed to endure. The desire and strength to move forward come from God. Human efforts may fail us, but the Lord never will.
Link to the original article: https://www.intouchuk.org/read/daily-devotions
*Bible quotes are from Bible, New Translation from the Original Languages © Bulgarian Bible Society 2013