Recently I was struck by Hebrews 10:36 which says, “You have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.”
Jesus is not calling us to run a short sprint — He’s calling us to a life-long marathon. He doesn’t promise immediate compensation or an easy path. But He does give us advance instruction about how to finish strong: “look not at what is seen but at what is unseen.” (2 Corinthians 4:18) i.e. Run by faith.
Life is not always going to make sense right now. And it’s okay — we just keep running. It is not always going to be fun or comfortable. It’s okay; we keep running. We may not be understood or approved of by onlookers. It’s okay. Our path may not go the direction we hoped. IT’S OKAY! Why is it okay? Because our treasure isn’t here anyway. Our Treasure is at the finish line.
If one is tempted to “slow down,” “give up,” or “yield to despair” because of a sudden rocky path or undesirable turn of events, maybe that’s a sign they have lost some interest in their true Treasure at the finish line, and put too much affection on things on earth.
May we run, looking unto Jesus, the finisher of our faith. Let’s guard our first love.
“For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.” (Hebrews 10:36)
(Picture taken during vacation in Colorado several years ago.)
Thank you for the email Grace! Very encouraging! (Oh, by the way, love the picture!)
Well-said!
Amen!
I have been thinking of this very same thing… may we be so focused on Jesus that nothing else matters. May He be the love of our life. Thanks for the encouragement!! <
Thank you for posting this Grace. I always feel encouraged after reading your blog, is thought provoking, convicting and encouraging! Which is what I really like about your blog. I always enjoy seeing an email come through from “Grace Notes” in my inbox! Thank you Grace!! ?
Hey Grace
Thanks for that important reminder! It is so easy to focus on things or difficulties of this world that take our focus off Jesus! Hope you and your family are all well!
Susannahxx
Your thought that giving up is loosing interest for the Kingdom especially stood out to me! I had never thought of it in quite that light before, but you are right! Thank you for the reminder, Grace!
Blessings,
Bri, 17 year old blogger of “Forget Not His Benefits”, a blog on Thankfulness, Family, and Following God :).
thank you for that, that was awesome! Ain’t that the truth? God bless you:)
Daughter of the Prince of Peace
Your post today really touched me. Recently, my ten year old sister was diagnosed with brain cancer. We were not expecting this because she was strong and healthy. I struggle with enduring what God has for my life at this time. Seeing her in a wheel chair and straggling with this disease makes it so hard to trust God and endure faithfully. Thank you for your encouragement 🙂
Elizabeth: I am so sorry to hear about your ten year old sister. How difficult. =( I just took some time to pray for you. May the God of all comfort give you grace to trust and rest. “Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you…” Psalm 55:22 With love, Grace