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. Heb 12:2

Our walk with Christ is often desired as an endurance race. An endurance race requires focus, discipline, and inner strength. An endurance race is run in segments, at varying paces, with the final goal in mind. To finish the race and celebrate the victory. The scripture passage reminds us that true joy and happiness come when we choose to put our attention on eternal things. The example and the way to eternal things is by “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” Jesus is our example of how we are to know the joy of heaven on earth. Jesus endured the cruelty of the world, suffered the shame of temptation, and submitted Himself without striking back at those who would harm. He entrusted Himself to the Father’s judgement and into the Father’s hands. His strength and courage to “endure the Cross” was by the word of God. “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Josh 1:9). The Father was faithful to the Son, at every turn, through every valley, through every storm, and to climb every hill. The final hill was at Golgotha where He boldly proclaimed, “It is finished” (Jn 19:30). He won the victory and defeated death, hell, and the grave. My friend, the victory is to those who are “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” Look beyond the circumstances in life and focused on who Jesus is and what He has done for us. Focus is on Jesus and the word of God to rise above your circumstances through the strength that God supplies. Dear friend, God is ready and able to uphold you by His Spirit to know the joy of His salvation (Ps 51:12). He will guard your heart with the “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Col 3:15) that you may “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb 12:1) and see the victory that is in Jesus Christ our Lord. Father thank You for Your love and the grace to run with endurance. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.