Hebrews 12:1-3
When the road is long and difficult, how can we have the endurance to keep going? Conventional wisdom—whether it’s climbing a mountain, running a marathon, or persevering through natural childbirth—is to only think of the immediate next step, not how much longer or how much further we have to go. But what if the journey is lifelong? What if the goal is never to stop climbing, never stop pushing in deeper? What could give us enough drive for this kind of life?
For me, it’s Jesus, and I think the author of Hebrews agrees. I don’t think “fixing our eyes on Jesus” is just metaphorical for having a goal and focusing on it. He IS the goal. Because He is alive, we can know Him and walk with Him. The more we pursue Jesus, the more we know Him, and the more filled and satisfied we are. The more we know His perfect love and amazing goodness, the more we want to know, the more we want others to know also. His glory and majesty exceed by far any bucket list experience we could have on this earth. His power lights up our lives, and we have everything we need to go further and do more than we ever dreamed possible.
However, sometimes we have problems connecting with Jesus. This is common, and there is help. It’s often easier to connect with Him while worshiping and praying with others, so join in community. Reading the writings of generations of saints who have gone before can also be a great encouragement. In my personal time, I ask the Holy Spirit to show me if anything is keeping me from Him. I invite Him to search my heart. He is always faithful! He wants to be with me even more than I want to be with Him. Whether it’s unrepentant sin, unforgiveness, or He’s asking for new trust and obedience, I’ll give what He asks. The discomfort of surrender is never as bad as the discomfort of feeling distant from Him.
Pursuing Jesus is not a life without pain or hardship, but it is a life of constant reward because He’s always eager to give of Himself.
Carol Hill
Lay Counselor & Inner Healing Prayer Team