Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us get rid of every burden and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and let us run with patient endurance the race that is laid out for us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who is the author of our faith and the one who brings it to its goal. In view of the joy set before him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of God’s throne.
Dear Heavenly Father,
In your word, you shared the events of both believers and unbelievers. Happenings of the saints who remained focused on you, even though they stumbled along the way, are now in heaven with you. Also, those who are not in heaven because they took their eyes off you and focused on themselves. We have those of our families who remained faithful to you and are also with you in heaven, and we can still hear their words of godly advice ringing in our ears. We so quickly and easily get tied up with the things of the world which will mean nothing to us when we have ended this temporal life’s race. We can become anxious, feeling overburdened by all the stresses that come at us from our jobs, families, neighbors, the news, and whatever else might come our way. Strengthen and encourage us to run this life patiently and not get trapped by the things of the world but focus on Jesus, especially when our sinful nature wants to direct our attention on anything other than Jesus. He gives us his words to repent and receive his forgiveness for even those sins that take our eyes off him.
When something comes our way, please give us the insight to lay it before you through Jesus. As we decide how to deal with the problem, we turn it over to you, trusting the result is according to your will. Then we can get back to what is important—you! We focus on the salvation plan you laid before us through your Son. Jesus authored our faith when he came here to suffer and die in our place; he put in place the plan of salvation to restore us to you. As he paid the penalty of our sins, it is through faith begun in us by the Holy Spirit that we believe Jesus has forgiven us. He endured the cross’ punishment in our place and now rules at your right hand, so those who believe in him are saved and have eternal life.
Lord, we see so many people around us who struggle, focused only on those things of the world. We pray for opportunities to share with them the hope we have. We were created to be with you, and through Jesus’ suffering on the cross, salvation comes to all through faith. So please have your Holy Spirit nurturer and grow the seeds of the gospel we plant. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
You need to direct your attention to Jesus when this world becomes hectic. There he reminds you what is essential, he has forgiven you, and your home in heaven is waiting for you. Through faith in Jesus, you are saved, and in the big picture, that is what truly matters.