“Do Not Lose Heart When He Rebukes You”

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, 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.

In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,

Hebrews 12:1-5

The Christian life can be bagged down with excess luggage. The book of Hebrews says, Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking until Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”

If on the inside we are weighted down with sin, our perseverance can be impaired.

Forgiveness and grace are always available to the spiritual traveler.

Perseverance is as much about a strong won’t as a strong will.

Our Daily Bread – February 20, 2015