FEB 14 LENTEN DEVOTIONAL

Reflecting on Hebrews 12:1-14

We all know that physical exercise is good for our bodies. It doesn’t matter weather you’re run-
ning, walking, cycling, or lifting weights, challenging our bodies physical limits produces growth
and strength. The thing is, it’s not always fun. I know for me, finding the motivation to exercise is
difficult. I understand, on an intellectual level, that it is good for my health and that I should do it,
but I also know that the process is often painful. That thought will leave me sitting on the couch
and eating chips instead of going out for a run.
Any athlete will tell you that there’s a big difference between exercising and training . If we’re
just out there exercising, we might be working hard, but there isn’t an end in site. What are we
striving for? We need a goal. We need a finish line. When we know what we’re working toward,
then we can begin to train!
In Hebrews 12 our personal race as disciples of Christ is clearly defined. We are reminded that
in life there will be trouble. We will encounter pain, hardship, and even defeat. On the flip side
we are also reminded that these encounters don’t mean that we have lost the race. They are
merely the pain that we experience as we train to become better disciples.
Does that make pain and hardship easier? Does it mean to be a “good Christian” we have to go
through life smiling and pretending that nothing is wrong. No. It means that we can be certain
that somehow God will redeem the evil and the hurt that we experience for good. Therefore, we
cry out to God and to our family of believers for comfort in times of hardship understanding that
the worst thing is never the last thing, and that we are running this race to win. All the way to the
end.
What baggage or sin do you need to throw off so you can fix your eyes on Jesus?