Encouraged by Joy

Scripture: Hebrews 12:3

For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Insights: After Wednesday’s Thoughts by Scott I think it would be safe to say no one has ever experienced what Jesus did.  To take that statement a little further, we have not even come close to experiencing the pain, hardship, difficulties and assaults that Jesus did.  It would also be safe to say that through it all Jesus did not grow weary and lose heart.  Taking on the sins of the world was the most painful thing Jesus could have done, but He did not falter or fail to finish the assignment given to Him by God the Father.  Beloved, how many assignments has the Lord God given to you that you have grown weary and lost heart and in the end quit?  If it has only been one, then that is one too many, and unfortunately, we all have at least one failure in our lives.  Today’s verse, however, gives us encouragement.  Jesus endured the hostility and if we are born again He comes and lives within us in the form of God the Holy Spirit.  Where we were incapable of not growing weary and losing heart, the Savior in us, never does.  What we born again Christ-followers must do is stop relying on our strength and power and start trusting in Jesus.  Whatever circumstance you are facing stop trying to bear the load.  Trust in Jesus and your heart will be encouraged and you will proceed successfully for Your King.  Cast all of your cares on Him.  Let Him carry the weight of your predicament.  Let Him fill you full of His grace.  If you will do that, then you will be able to press on and not give up because of weariness and heavy heart.  Let your life glorify God as you continue on this journey of faith.

Questions:

1. Are you almost to the point of giving up?
2. Are you willing to turn it, whatever it is, completely over to Jesus and trust Him no matter how the situation works out?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You and You alone are my hope and strength.  Let me trust in You and not grow weary as I trudge through this world.  Continue to encourage men heart, Lord.  Amen.