Daily Devotion: The Perfecter of Our Faith

Scripture:
Hebrews 12: 1-13

Main Verses:
Hebrews 12: 2-3
Let us fix 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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Observation:
I have watched a few seasons of American Ninja Warriors, a sports entertainment competition wherein the contestants try to complete a series of obstacle courses with various levels of difficulty. The obstacle courses test their endurance, speed, agility, and strength. What is admirable with the players is their never-give-up attitude. Each competitor has their eyes fixed on being able to make it to the final course, the Mount Midoriyama. I can sense the fulfillment each player feels after finishing an obstacle course and moving to the next course. The author of Hebrews also reminds us that in order for us to finish the race as believers, we should never lose our focus. When things go tough, when everybody else has left you because of your faith, when our faith is tested, our eyes must still be fixed on Jesus.

Application:
The Christian life is a difficult race. We will go through many "obstacle courses." But if we focus on the Perfecter of Our Faith, we will never lose hope. The Lord himself has experienced all that we have and will experience. Nothing is new. If the Lord was able to endure all of that, with the Lord's grace and the Holy Spirit's help, we will be able to overcome any hardship.Think about what the Lord had to endure. He was persecuted, called a blasphemer, suffered until He died on the cross. Think about the Lord's sacrifices. If he endured all of that, we can endure all things that come our way!

Prayer:
Lord, you have been faithful to me. I believe that whatever difficulties I am experiencing at this moment can never equal the sacrifices you did for the salvation and forgiveness of my sins. My love for you will never equal your faithfulness in my life, but my heart desires to follow you. AMEN.