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Read: Hebrews 12:1-3
Listen: Hebrews 12

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. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

The author of Hebrews writes to a group of believers teetering on the brink of exhaustion. Shoulders slumping. Stomach turned upside down. They face the daily threat of persecution and imprisonment for their faith in Jesus. Some lose hope and walk away. These are not uninformed, immature believers. They are Jewish Christians who know their history and understand who Jesus is. The author calls them to remember who God is! Remember God speaks! First, through the prophets and now through Jesus. The one who created the universe is the same one who sent his Son for them. The author also points to other pillars of the faith who stood firm against insurmountable odds. Grabbing their attention, he calls them to persevere.

No matter what comes our way this year, we have the same calling to persevere as we follow Jesus. Life is an unpredictable path. There is no guarantee that things will be easy. Rather, it’s guaranteed that life will include difficulty and suffering. This is the reality of living in a world broken by sin. The only thing we have control over is how we react and respond. Faith in Jesus helps us face our circumstances with the confidence that he is with us and can work through them. He can work through cancer, a deteriorated relationship or an unexpected detour. Running the race of faith takes perseverance no matter the season, but it’s worth it.

TODAY: Regularly reading God’s Word helps us run our race of faith with perseverance. Consider memorizing Hebrews 12:1-2 and begin the next year with a commitment to run with perseverance.