Text:
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)
1 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,
2 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.
Observation:
There is such great value and benefit in hearing the testimonies from those who have found God to be a present help in their season of trouble. The writer of Hebrews points the readers in Hebrews chapter eleven to the heroes of faith.
The Apostle Paul reminds the believers in his letter to the church at Rome of the value of reading and learning from the saints of old.
Romans 15:4 (ESV)
4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
In times like these we could use a heavy dosage of endurance and encouragement.
Yesterday at our senior adult luncheon one of the testimonies given said this, "I did not receive any water in my home, but I could see it approaching in my neighborhood". She said, "I just prayed Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus". She was able to testify that God heard her prayer, and no water came into her home.
Others testified that they loss all that earthly possessions; home and automobiles. But, they gained something of far greater value. They experienced the love of family; their relatives, friends, neighbors, their church family, and the Body of Christ from around the world. These witnesses were filled with hope for the future, and they had more faith in God than ever.
Prayer:
Father, I am so grateful to know that the God who created us has not left us alone in this world.
John 1:1 (ESV)
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:14 (ESV)
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Father, I delight to bear witness that Jesus is alive, and that He lives in me. He loves me with an everlasting love, and I believe His promise that He will never leave me or forsake me.
Father, thank You for the endurance and encouragement we receive when we fix our eyes upon Jesus. In His mighty name we pray, Amen.
Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
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