Cloud Of Witness’s

    Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬          

“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.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses, men and women of faith who’ve gone before us, who are beckoning us to run the race of faith, to throw aside sin that so easily entangles us, distractions that so easily, subtly keep us from living with all-out focus on Jesus.

Have you noticed that often when you look at what others are doing you get discouraged? You might be comparing your summer vacation plans to another person’s. Or perhaps you just feel like you don’t measure up to those people around you. If you spend all your time comparing yourself to others you won’t be able to accomplish the race that God has for you.

The race that God has for you to run will look different for you than it looks for others. If you’re going to make it to the finish line you’ll have to draw close to God and lay aside the things that try to trip you up, like comparing yourself to others.

It is the sin of unbelief that can so easily ensnare and entangle us, for unbelief can become an unbearable weight on our hearts which fosters fear and chokes our faith. When trust in God begins to falter, it is unbelief that hampers our progress. When seeds of doubt are allowed to take root and flourish, it renders us impotent in our Christian walk and taints our testimony.

Life is a race which has a finishing line, and we are exhorted to set the eyes of our hearts and the determination of our spirits on to the goal of our calling and that goal is a Person, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. How important that we shed anything and everything that inhibits our progress and pursue the Lord Jesus, unfalteringly and unflaggingly.

Knowing that we too are following in the footsteps of such a great a cloud of witnesses, let us endeavour to lay aside every weight that hinders our personal Christian life so that we do not fall into the sin of unbelief which can so easily beset us in the race of life and let us run with patient endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Let’s look to him. Let’s see everything in our lives through the lens of who he is, the one who founded our faith, is perfecting our faith, who’s growing us in him. And with joy before Him. Let’s run the race marked out for us. In other words, let’s live this life of faith that he has called us to with joy, knowing it’s not always easy, but that’s the whole picture.

I hope you find encourament today in your faith to run with perseverance the race. I encourage you to throw aside sin. Ask God for an extra measure of grace to leave sin behind in your life. Leave anything that’s keeping you from all-out full obedience to Christ. Live with all-out, full obedience to Christ.

Be cheered on in that kind of obedience, that kind of faith by men and women who have gone before us, who would testify it’s worth it. It’s worth it. Don’t waste your life on anything less than all-out faith, total obedience to Christ and God!!!

Father thank You for this day and the many people of faith in Scripture who bear witness that Your Word is trustworthy and true. Lord open the windows of heaven and pour out Your abundant blessings upon my friend and family today. Lord In the trials and difficulties of our lives help us to keep trusting You like this great cloud of witnesses. Lord help us to discard every encumbrance that may hinder our progress and witness and give us perseverance as we press toward the final goal. Lord may we patiently endure all the obstacles in life in the power of the Holy Spirit and help us to be a living witness to Your Word Of Truth to all today. Be a blessing.

Father, we love You. Amen !