“And let us run the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:2b-3 (NLT)
Many people are saying they don’t know how much more they can take! Yes, it has been a hard, dark season. Yes, in so many ways we have lost much over the past few years. But God has not called us to give up, especially now! We must be like Jesus who looked through the pain and hardship of the cross, to the joy on the other side of it. We, His bride, is the joy that He fixed His eyes on through the hours of darkness on the cross.
Likewise, in the darkness of this hour, we need to fix our gaze, our attention, our hope in Him, our Bridegroom King. He does not lose. He is not panicking. He is never late and is always on time! He is like a master chess player allowing the board to be set for His game changing moves and check mate!
If you have allowed doubt, fear, hopelessness and/or apathy (just to name a few) to capture your gaze, repent and put your focus back on Jesus, who is the joy set before you! Ask Him for the grace to jump back into the race that He has laid before in this day. He has you right where you need to be! Ask Him to release a new intensity of joy over your life, over your family, your pastor, your church and across our city!
