Hebrews 12:1-3 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto JESUS the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith; WHO for the joy that was set before HIM endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of GOD. For consider HIM that endured such contradiction of sinners against HIMSELF, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." 
Life can be hard. Many people struggle with family problems, financial problems, and other worries that often seem to overwhelm us. Yet the eleventh chapter of Hebrews reminds us that godly men and women suffered trials and tribulations even worse than our own and GOD commended them for their faith in HIM. While we think of Hebrews chapter eleven as the "Great Faith Chapter," a deeper truth runs throughout and culminates in today's text. Here is the command: Let us endure the race of life. This is the thrust of the entire letter to the Hebrew believers - Keep pressing forward and doing what is right; do not slide backward; continue to persevere; DO NOT QUIT ! And, of course, faith plays a principal role in this needed endurance.
Have you ever felt like giving up on doing what you know to be right ? Does it seem like life would be so much easier if you just went with the flow rather than trying to do and be what GOD has called you to do and be ? Do you think that going your own way would be in your best interest ? Well, that is exactly what the Hebrew believers were feeling ! This letter was written to encourage them not to fall away - to keep moving forward in their spiritual life and not to slide backward in their walk with the LORD. Therefore, after elaborating on a large group of people who kept their eyes of faith on GOD and HIS promises (we are surrounded by this great "cloud of witnesses" the whole verse is pictured above), the author of Hebrews challenges us to endure - to keep persisting in the race of life, to keep doing what is right and living by faith every day despite our problems. During the next few days, we will consider several truths concerning this exhortation to press on. MDC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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