Hebrews lifts Jesus high—higher than angels, Moses, priests, sacrifices—and then shows how saints endured because their eyes were fixed on Him. Hebrews 11 is honest: not everyone “quenched fire and shut lions’ mouths.” Some were “stoned… sawn in two… killed with the sword… destitute, afflicted, mistreated—of whom the world was not worthy” (Heb 11:37–38). Faith isn’t a hack to avoid pain; it’s the grip that won’t let go of Christ when pain comes.

So why am I a Christian?

Because Jesus is true. He fulfills the Scriptures, rises from the dead, and cannot be explained away.

Because Jesus is better. Better than sin’s pleasures, better than my self-rule, better than any substitute the world offers.

Because Jesus holds me. If I persevere, it’s because He perseveres with me (Heb 12:2; John 10:27–29).

How to Persevere While We Wait

We’re all waiting—ancient Israel for a first coming, the church now for His triumphant return. While we wait:

Fix your eyes on Jesus. “Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…” (Heb 12:2).

Receive the Father’s training. Hard things aren’t proof of God’s absence; they’re signs of His fatherly love (Heb 12:5–11).

Worship with a ready heart. Don’t bring Him lifeless ritual (Mal 1); bring Him yourself (Rom 12:1–2).

Stay with the people of God. Perseverance is a group project (Heb 10:24–25).

Remember the cloud. You’re not the first to run this race. You’re surrounded by witnesses who made it home (Heb 12:1).

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