You may be tired, worn out, discouraged, and in pain. But you can’t give up. Not now. You’ve come too far, and too much is at stake.

Like most of the Letter to the Hebrews, chapter 12 is rich with meaning to unpack, too much for a single post.

That said, the key for me is in the first two verses.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV)

Run this race of life with endurance. You may trip, you may fall, but that’s okay.

Get back up.

Push through whatever is holding you back. Keep your eyes on Jesus…that’s where you’re going, and he’s worth the pain.

You’re not alone! A great cloud of witnesses made up of both the saints here on earth and in heaven is cheering you on.

Jesus started this journey with you and he will finish it with you. (Tweet this) In fact, Jesus is the prize. He is who you are running toward. You know him now so you can know him even more completely in eternity.

The promise of a greater communion with Christ can carry you through the darkest, most mundane, most wearing times. His love will lift you up.

Jesus endured excruciating physical, emotional, and spiritual pain “for the joy set before him” (Heb. 12:2).

Because Jesus did this, you too have much set before you. You have forgiveness, redemption, resurrection, hope.

You have “a kingdom that cannot be shaken” now and in the future (Heb. 12:28).

Run to Jesus.

Press on.