A Call To Persevere
RUTH CHOU SIMONS
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“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 …” Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Though western Colorado is replete with stunning views and mountain-town-vacation vibes, my family struggled to find deep community here. Even after a few years, we felt isolated in public ministry and wrestled with all that we lacked by living in a rural area.
For several months, we seriously considered moving. How much easier and better it would be for our whole family if we moved somewhere with more schooling options, more friends and fellowship, more encouragement in ministry … and of course, more access to Costco.
But ultimately, this season wasn’t about finding a new location for the Simons family; it was about meeting God where He had already placed us. It was about loving the very difficult place we were desperately trying to escape. Amid our desire to get to where we wanted to go, the clarion call was to start where we already were and to use what we already had.
It was a call to persevere.
New Testament writers shared a common framework for encouraging their readers to persevere. More often than not, their encouragement in Scripture begins with this word: “Therefore.” We find “therefore” repeated throughout the letters to the Church as the writers reminded believers that persevering is possible.
One of my favorite “therefores” is at the beginning of Hebrews 12:
“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 …” (Hebrews 12:1-2, NIV).
This particular “therefore” comes after a list of believers credited with undeniable, unshakable faith in Hebrews 11 — they are the “cloud of witnesses” in Hebrews 12:1. The writer of Hebrews is encouraging us to remember the faith of these past believers and, more importantly, to remember the God they put their faith in.
And then Hebrews 12:1-2 gives practical instructions — the way we should respond in light of God’s Truth:
- Throw off entangling sin. Sin clouds our ability to see God for who He truly is and distracts us from the tasks He’s given us to do.
- Run with perseverance. The Holy Spirit empowers our perseverance, but that doesn’t mean it won’t require conscious effort on our part.
- Fix our eyes on Jesus. He’s our perfect example!
Friend, because Jesus is better than anything we could secure, we can live on purpose as we follow Him in all that He has for us. We can start where we are, with what we have, and persevere. What we believe about God — who He is and what He is like — compels us simply to take the next right step. And when we do, we start living hope-filled lives right now, even while our eyes are on all that is not yet.
Father, we want to persevere. Grant us what it takes to run today’s race well. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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FOR DEEPER STUDY
Hebrews 12:2, “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” (NIV).
What is a difficult situation you’re currently facing in which God is calling you to persevere?
Which of the three action steps Ruth listed in her devotion (throw off entangling sin, run with perseverance, fix your eyes on Jesus) will you focus on today?
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