Listen to Devotion

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.

They were sawed in two. Flogged. Imprisoned. Mocked. Destitute. Wandering in deserts and mountains. And still, they kept going. The great cloud of witnesses, those who ran the race before you—testify to this important truth: Keep going.

You are running the same race. But you’re not alone in this race. The witnesses cheer you on. They remind you that suffering is not a sign of failure. It is the path of faith.

Consider Jesus. What must it have been like for him? He was slapped, spat on, mocked, and unjustly condemned—by the very people he came to save. He lived a perfect life, and yet he suffered the worst of deaths. Why? Because he couldn’t bear the thought of heaven without you.

You see, Jesus is not just a moral example. He is “the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” He authored your salvation and completed it. He didn’t just run the race; he finished it. He scorned the shame of the cross, endured it, and then sat down at the right hand of God. That’s not just a seat of honor. It’s a declaration: It is finished. Your salvation is complete.

So, keep going. Run with perseverance. Life as a Christian isn’t a quick sprint—it’s a grueling marathon. There will be agony: family that mocks, coworkers who snub, hearts that break, and sin that entangles. But don’t give up.

Fix your eyes on Jesus. When you face opposition, remember he faced worse for you. When you’re tempted to give up, remember the finish line. Jesus stands there, waiting. Not just cheering, but welcoming. You are the prize he endured for. He is the prize you press on for.

Lord Jesus, save me from the sin that entangles me and fix my eyes on you. Amen.

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.