Hebrews 12 -- Accepting What He Said About Faith, Then ....

Having built us up in the last chapter to have faith in God no matter what, the writer of Hebrews now seems to say, “Let’s see what happens when you walk through those dark times.”

Last night I watched as many athletes ran in their first track meet of the year.  Toward the end, it had gotten dark and quite cold.  A stiff north wind was blowing.  Some had already pushed themselves in previous races.  Many looked with dread on what they were about to have to endure.

“So let us run the race that is before us and never give up.  We should remove from our lives anything that would get in the way and the sin that so easily holds us back … Think about Jesus’ example.  He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to Him.  So do not get tired and stop trying.”

We’re not promised a bed of roses.  There are still tough times ahead.  But it’s in those times that God trains us and teaches us to hope, and He exercises our faith to develop it even further.

Our faith is what allows us to accept what’s coming without defeat.  We see it as a bump in the road, not an overwhelming obstacle.  And we begin to know that through Christ, all things are truly possible.

Father, let my faith not be shaken by a bump in the road.  Remind me of how you are enlarging my faith by stretching me through tough times.  That’s where spiritual growth occurs.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford