Listen

Think about the one who endured such opposition from sinners so that you won’t be discouraged and you won’t give up.

Hebrews 12:3

Think

In my first official race, I was out of shape and slow. It was a one-mile fun run with my favorite kids. The kids took off from the starting line, and I began to jog. Soon, one left us in the dust, the other slowed to a walk, and I caught up with him. He wanted to chat as we followed the race course, and I was determined to keep a steady jogging pace. This is hard to do while chatting! As we neared the finish line, my lungs burned, I was sweating, and my legs were tired. My running buddy wanted to walk, and my body wanted that too. But I thought it was important to finish well, to keep going so we’d both see that we could do it.

There have been bigger situations in my life when I’ve wanted to give up. Difficult circumstances, sticky situations, messy conflicts. We all face them. Where do you turn when you want to give up? The writer of Hebrews calls us to think about Jesus. We’re reminded that Jesus faced tough situations, too, and with God’s help, he kept going.

Laura Edgar

Question to Ponder:

What gives you strength when you want to give up?

Pray

God, sometimes I get discouraged. One thing that’s discouraging me right now is…

Thank you that you’re always with me, no matter what I face. Show me when and how to keep going and when to choose a new path. Amen.

Go

Let’s go, vamos

Let’s run God’s race

With love and action

Come on, let’s go: ¡Vamos!

– ¡Vamos! by Colleen and David Burroughs